July 1955 – May 1971
LOCATION
Frontierland – When the Indian Village first opened, it sat on the border between Adventureland and Frontierland. But in 1956, the Village moved as part of the early days of park expansion. The Indian Village occupied the western end of Frontierland until its closure, in the area that is now Critter Country.
BACKGROUND
In the early years of operation, Frontierland was much more representative of the Wild West than the settled town it showcases today. On the edge of the land, Imagineers designed a spirited Indian Village, where “villagers” displayed traditions and dances of several different tribes. After the Indian Village moved to the other side of the Rivers of America, live performances and canoe rides became the most popular activities within the grounds. For almost 20 years, The Indian Village was the most interactive and lively attraction in the park, and carved its own distinct identity within Frontierland.
EXPERIENCE
The Indian Village was an interactive recreation area, offering guests the chance to explore different displays and events. Activities included:
- A display of teepees, totem poles, and a traditional burial ground
- Ceremonial dance circle performances
- Craft area and gift shop
- Indian War Canoe ride around the Rivers of America
Finally, after guests had finished exploring the village, they could finish their trip by meeting the Village Chief. Though the Indian Village was technically part of Frontierland, this attraction was truly its own land within a land, offering a unique experience to visitors of all ages.
Note: For 1950s standards, I’m sure Disney would’ve claimed this attraction honored/celebrated indigenous people. For example, Chief White Horse was the last fluent speaker of the Otoe-Missouria language, and spent time teaching traditions and customs to park guests. But the area also had signage with derogatory language, the environment stereotyped tribal activities, and the whole concept of “full-blooded Indians” being an attraction is just objectively racist. And let’s not forget American history 101…these people were not (and are not) Indians.
CLOSURE
After almost two decades, the Indian Village had gradually lost its audience to the newer and more exciting nearby attractions. Imagineers needed to revamp the western side of the park to keep up with the excitement around the newly opened New Orleans Square, and Disney decided to split this area into a land separate from Frontierland. The Village closed in 1971, and Bear Country opened less than a year later.
After the Indian Village closed, only the canoes and the Trading Post gift shop survived the massive overhaul. The canoes became the Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes, and the Trading Post closed in 1989 to become the Briar Patch store. Both the canoes and the Briar Patch survived this area’s second big renovation project as well, when the land became Critter Country.
TRIVIA
The Indian Village was a completely separate attraction from the village behind Tom Sawyer Island, visible only from the Mark Twain Riverboat & Sailing Ship Columbia or the canoes. However, both villages were Frontierland representations of western American Indian life.
Thanks for sharing. Old pictures of the frontier areas of the park (which were largely unfinished it seems for a while) are my favorite to look through.
Thanks, Alejandro! It is quite amazing to look at the muddy riverbanks of the Rivers of America in the 50s, and then to look at the tiered platforms leading up to New Orleans Square now. Incredible to think it’s the exact same space.
I hate the term Indian. We are not from India in many of our languages we are known as The People. You can use Indigenous, Native, or even Aboriginals of Turtle Island. But never Indian. Also Google is efficient to search this and douse slure to describe us because is want us using degrading terminology on you.