The statue sits along Calhoun Street, facing traffic heading south out of downtown. A likeness of Chief BlueJacket stands atop a large swan with a garden and stone path around him.
Chief BlueJacket was a great war chief of the Shawnee people who was known for unifying tribes that typically fought against each other to defend Shawnee lands from Southern Ohio up to the Wabash River in Northeast Indiana.
More than fifteen descendants of Chief BlueJacket came from across the country to witness the dedication of the statue. Lee BlueJacket came from Bluejacket, Oklahoma, which was founded by the chief’s grandson.
He says he’s grateful for Blue Jacket Inc. helping more people learn about Chief BlueJacket.
“It does get very emotional because there’s a lot of people that don’t know about him and it would be nice if more did because of all the things he did for his people,” Lee said.
At the unveiling, both Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and Allen County Commissioner Richard Beck read a declarations for the day in honor of Chief BlueJacket.
Blue Jacket Inc. is a non-profit that provides training and opportunities to those who face barriers in finding employment and was named after the chief.
The sculpture was made by local Fort Wayne artist, Sayaka Ganz, who researched the Shawnee tribe and the Chief himself, as well as consulted with some of his descendents.
Ganz was born in Yokohama, Japan and now lives in Fort Wayne. She uses reclaimed metal and plastic to create her art.
Blue Jacket Inc. also announced that it will be opening a cafe in the Calhoun Street area, called Tall Rabbit Cafe. The name was one of Chief BlueJacket’s nicknames.
The cafe will serve Utopian Coffee and the menu from Calhoun Street Soups, Salads and Spirits, which closed in August 2018.
The Shawnee people were one of the original First Nation groups in Northeast Indiana and Ohio.
The cafe will serve as an employment opportunity for those Blue Jacket helps.
