Vincent and Sherian Aragon have been longtime members of the Heart of the Westside Neighborhood. Sheri has attended neighborhood meetings, and Vince has volunteered at annual cleanups. Even when he was past 90 years old, he loaned out his trailer and helped out with curbside pick-ups. He also has donated his trailer to be used in future cleanups.
The Aragons are also significant to Springfield because Vince (who passed away in February 2024) is full-blooded Native American, of the Taos tribe. In January 2020, local Native Americans realized that there were community needs in the Springfield area that were not being met. They put together a grassroots movement, meeting in the Aragons’ home. The group began working toward reactivating what is now the American Indian Center of Springfield (AICS). They partnered with the Drew Lewis Foundation and received guidance and direction to receive nonprofit status and grants, and they now have an office and host events at The Fairbanks.
Today, AICS draws support through gatherings from Natives in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. AICS has grown tremendously, holding numerous classes, educational programs, craft classes and cultural events for Springfield and surrounding communities to partake in. They also have a food pantry and a neighborhood garden.
Recently, Sheri donated a Naja silver necklace with a crescent-shaped pendant to AICS that had belonged in her husband’s family. She continues to be a strong supporter of AICS.