The Indian village added a touch of frontier authenticity in an area of the park that was otherwise only an imitation of the frontier experience. Disneyland's 1985 hardcover souvenir book proudly noted that the authentic dances from such tribes as the Apache, Navajo, Comanche and Pawnee were performed with the permission of the respective Tribal Council in the US Bureau of Indian Affairs. A Disney agent visited the Indian reservations of the Southwest and requested the chiefs to deliver him authentic Indians,which they did.Within a year the Indian village was relocated further north along the rivers west bank a spot at the center of Tom Sawyer's Island. This was a larger space with more development including an ornate dance circle additional teepees lodges a burial ground and the Indian War canoes.
Wander among teepees of the Plains Indians, an Iroquois birch bark longhouse, and a cedar plank house and totem poles of Indians of the Pacific Northwest. There’s even an Indian burial ground. Meet the full-blooded Indian Chief.
Demonstrations of archery and displays of arts and crafts added to the fun. Vivian Arviso was Miss Indian America 1960. Her year of service included a stint answering tourists' questions at Disneyland's Indian Village.A 1962 remodel of the village expanded the location and brought in the Indian Trading Post.The Indian Village was showcased in a 1970 episode of The Wonderful World of Disney, but dwindling interest and mounting labor problems meant the villages days were numbered in the fall of 1971. Pathways were dirt instead of paved like the rest of Disneyland. The Indian village was dismantled so this corner of Frontierland could be transformed into Bear Country which opened in 1972.
From WED Disneyland Dictionary 1968 On the banks of the Rivers of America, is an authentic Plains Indian Village with birch bark log-houses, teepees and lean-to's, representing many tribes. Each Of the dwellings contains relics and products of Indian living. Giant totem poles from many tribes abound. A large amphitheater shaded by rawhide canopy provides seating for the audience while Indians perform tribal dances every day during the summer and on weekends during the remainder of the year.