Learning about local heritage can aid in a better understanding of the world today. Historian Michael Dickey will speak about American Indian tribes that lived in Missouri from 1803-1837 at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at the Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site. “My goal is to broaden the knowledge about a topic rarely taught as a part of Missouri history,” Dickey said. “Understanding history helps people craft solutions. Bringing history into discussions about contemporary issues helps people understand the origins of complex issues that our society faces.” Dickey’s grandmother grew up in Oklahoma when it was still a territory and his family had friendly interactions with Native Americans, some still living in Tipis. “My great-uncles were cowboys,” he said. As a child, Dickey was exposed to American Indian culture when visiting his grandmother. “I was in awe that I had relatives that were real cowboys and Indians, and none of what I was exposed to was like the movies…