wants to build upon the improvements made in the northern portion of this historic corridor by businesses such as Saigon Restaurant, Sanco Industries, the Oyster Bar, and Neighborhood Health Clinic and to also be the connector to the anchor South Side High School. is planning to invest much more time and energy into its campus acting as a bellwether for an economic comeback on Calhoun Street south of Pontiac St. The sculpture signals to the Fort Wayne community, specifically the south side neighborhoods, that Blue Jacket, Inc. Sayaka expressed, “I hope that this sculpture will give the people who come to Blue Jacket a sense of dignity and hope and a sense of resilience because of the use of the materials and also the subject matter portrayed.” When creating the Chief Blue Jacket sculpture, Sayaka spent a significant amount of time researching Shawnee culture and Chief Blue Jacket himself. The 13-foot-tall fine art sculpture was created by local artist with an international influence, Sayaka Ganz.

Tony Hudson, Executive Director of Blue Jacket, reflected, “It is nerve wracking to me that descendants bearing the name of this brilliant legend will be present, because I fear we will fall short in honoring the legacy of someone whose life story captivates me.” Organizers are exhilarated at who was in attendance sixteen (16) Shawnee descendants of Chief Blue Jacket who travelled from over the country, predominantly Oklahoma.

Calhoun.Īllen County Commissioner Rich Beck and City of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry were present issuing a proclamation along with other elected officials. A small reception followed, featuring an exciting announcement about future growth of the organization and its campus on S. dedicated a sculpture recognizing its namesake and honoring the great Shawnee War Chief Blue Jacket on Friday, July 15th at noon. FORT WAYNE, IN (July 15, 2022) – Fort Wayne based nonprofit, Blue Jacket, Inc.

Blue Jacket by John Sugden