In 1955, a realistic Indian village opened just a tomahawks throw from the chicken plantation restaurant at the western edge of Frontierland. From there, guests could see the southern tip of what soon would be called Tom Sawyer Island. For the first few months, the Indian village consisted of a small collection of TeePees and simple wooden structures that recreated the dwellings of various 19th century Plains Indians. Unlike most of Disneyland, the village had dusty dirt paths winding through it instead of paved sidewalks.
The original village had authentic live Indians who performed their ceremonial dances for guests, which let the guests watch six authentic tribal dances, summer weekends and holidays only. The Omaha called the war dance by white Settlers, The Shield and Spear the Eagle, the Zuni Comanche, the Mountain Spirit and the Friendship Dances.
Tribal performers were invited for a periodic contract with housing for the duration of their run at the park. Within six months another tribe would be represented in slightly different performances of their tribal customs. Kids were invited to participate during these performances. The park's souvenir books often showed photos of full blooded Indians performing tribal dances, chief shooting star in his elaborate native garb and canoes, paddling past painted teepees in one happy photo. Walt Disney poses in front of a tribal drum wearing a ceremonial headdress with his gray suit and smiling broadly.
Indian Village was removed to add the elephants bathing pool to the jungle cruise.In 1956, Indian Village Adventureland was moved to a larger area in Frontierland.
