Local horticulturist, herbalist and land steward, Colleen Rabbitt Smith displayed an array of Missouri native plant materials at the 28th National Trail of Tears Conference in Springfield, Missouri. Smith, a land steward from Courtois is just one of the many herbalist and garden enthusiasts who are helping plan an historic, herbal, pollinator garden around the Trail of Tears memorial monument coming to Steelville City Park in 2027. The 10 foot tall bronze sculpture titled 'The Trail' was designed by Daniel Horsechief of Cherokee and Pawnee line of descent. Horsechief resides in Sallisaw Oklahoma where his work on the sculpture has begun.

Last weekend, at Missouri Botanical Garden for 'Indigenous Peoples Day' Smith gave a presentation titled 'Our Green Nation' where she spoke of the ongoing connection people have with plants. Smith acknowledges, “Through time, plants created bridges of hope that cross cultural barriers. Plants historically provided learning opportunities for indigenous and European culture to create a melting pot of food and medicine,” She spoke about native life in our area prior to the 17th century and the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Statehood for Missouri came following the Missouri Compromise of 1820. It was just within the next two decades, 1837 that the Cherokee were forced off of their homeland in what is known as the Trail of Tears.

Smith shared information about the Steelville Trail of Tears Remembrance Committee, explaining, “We are raising money to create a space to honor the Trail of Tears ancestors who endured much suffering.” Many local residents may not be aware that the historic trail goes through Steelville, Missouri. The Cherokee sculpture is part of the new plans for the Steelville City Park land acknowledgment project. Smith continues, "We are creating a space for people to learn, network and heal.” The native gardens surrounding the sculpture will be a community example of the importance of planting native plant species. Smith concluded, “These plants have connected cultures for thousands of years, it is our responsibility to remember the removal of the native people and to keep their legacy alive.”

Please join the Trail of Tears group at the city park on Saturday, December 6for the third annual five mile "Remember the Removal Walk, Ride and Bike'"event along the same path the Cherokee took in 1837. To learn more or to get involved with fundraising events, please visit www.TrailofTears.SteelvilleHistoricalSociety.com or follow the Steelville Trail of Tears Remembrance Committee on Facebook.