Wibthaha (Thank you), dear Ponca family, for gathering with me to celebrate the legacy of the Ponca Community Windmill. Standing tall against the sky, this structure embodies the resilience and ingenuity of our people.

In 1936, as we established the Ponca Community Building, another symbol of progress rose—the Ponca Community Windmill. With its blades cutting through the air, the windmill brought forth life-giving waters from beneath the earth, sustaining our community and nourishing our spirits.

Built alongside the Ponca Community Building, the windmill was vital for providing clean, fresh water in the arid Great Plains. Its significance went beyond utility; it continued our ancestral traditions, honoring the elements as sacred providers.

The Ponca Community Windmill is a testament to our ability to harness nature for the good of our community. Powered by the prairie winds, its spinning blades drew the precious waters that sustained our crops, quenched our thirst, and nourished our livestock.

During times of hardship and uncertainty, the Ponca Community Windmill symbolized more than a water source—it embodied our resilience, self-sufficiency, and determination to thrive. Its steady rhythm echoed the heartbeat of our community, reminding us of our strength and unity in challenging times.

Though time has weathered its wooden frame and worn its metal blades, the Ponca Community Windmill stands as a silent sentinel, bearing witness to the enduring spirit of our people. Today, as we gather beneath its shadow, let us honor its legacy and rededicate ourselves to the values of community, stewardship, and respect for the land.

As you leave this trail marker, may the memory of the Ponca Community Windmill inspire you to embrace change with courage and grace. Let its legacy remind you of our resilience and ingenuity, and may you carry its spirit with you on your journey across the Great Plains. Wibthaha.