Dopika Project

Kansas State Historical Society creates repatriation boxes to return Native American remains, artifacts to tribes TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Kansas State Historical Society (KSHS) is making repatriation boxes in an effort to bring items and remains back to their original communities. According to the National P…

Oh look.
Something fun is coming soon!!

The DoPiKa Project kicked off last night at the NOTO Art Center! Free books for children available throughout the rest of the month, and an exhibit of the original artwork plus storytelling space and paper doll making!!
Books will be available at ArtsConnect, too, and several other locations to be announced!
Written by Lisa LaRue Baker and illustrated by Staci Dawn.

Volunteers needed in the Flint Hills!

Our friends at the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes are looking for volunteers to help harvest Switchgrass at Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge from August 17 to 31.

The harvested grass will be used in the construction of a traditional grass house for the Etzanoa Conservancy in Arkansas City, Kansas.

Interested in volunteering or learning more about the available roles? Contact Wichita Tribe member Derek Ross at (254) 422-5994. Please share with anyone who might be interested!

Hey !!
The 2026 DoPiKa Project is all about the kids!
We’re excited to announce a FREE CHILDREN’S BOOK GIVEAWAY happening throughout September. Every child will receive one free book—either DoPiKa: The History We Almost Forgot or Maddie’s Fashion Show (while supplies last).
DoPiKa is a young children’s book sharing the Native origins of Topeka.
Maddie’s Fashion Show is a charming paper doll book by Barbara Waterman‑Peters, featuring Maddie—the little Native American companion to NOTO’s own character, OTTO.

Where to pick up your free book:
• NOTO Arts Center
• ArtsConnect
• Additional locations will be announced soon!
We’ll also be sharing more kid‑friendly activities as September gets closer. Stay tuned for updates and bring the family out to celebrate Topeka’s history, creativity, and community!

Way to go, Hays Kansas! If Topeka did the same, do you know the tribes that would be included??

This great mural is on the side of State Glass Co. in Hays, Kansas.

Details on the 2026 DoPiKa Project coming soon!! Hint: the kids will LOVE it!