The Smithsonian is not a single museum but a whole complex of museums that cater to all manner of interests from science, history, art, and culture.
One such museum is the National Museum of the American Indian.
Native American Heritage Month isn’t until November but the Smithsonian has a number of Native American related events beginning next month; just in time for summer holidays.
Over the coming month, there are a number of exhibits and programs opening at the Washington, D.C. and New York City museums. For those who cannot make a visit to the museum can visit some events via online.
On May 25 in Washington, D.C, Robert Houle opens a new exhibit titled “Red is Beautiful”.
In New York City, Shelley Niro has a new exhibit opening on May 27 called “500 Year Itch” – a culmination of 50 years of work.
On June 8 Shelley Niro – a multidisciplinary artist from the Six Nations Reserve, Day of Quinte Mohawk, Turtle Clan in conjunction with the Education Department of the National Museum of the American Indian will participate in a full-day professional development program. Registration is required.
A four part online program titled “Youth in Action: What the Youth Can Do (Ho’olale I Ka ‘ai A Ka U’i) and is available in English and Spanish features Native Hawaiian youth and was filmed in Hawaii. The young Hawaiians are looking at ways to protect their heritage and culture. The four segments explore “voyaging and wayfinding, hula as resistance, heiau (sacred space) restoration, and food sovereignty.”
The program is one of a series “Youth in Action: Conversations About Our Future”.
On May 6 in Washington, D.C. a Luncheon Lecture and Panel Discussion with curator of the National Museum of the American Indian Cecile Ganteaume speaks; followed by a panel discussion featuring juried Native American artists. The luncheon begins at noon in the National Building Museum.
The Native New York Film Festival begins on May 5. The weekend festival features filmmakers, new films, and fan favourites with discussions on what makes New York a Native place. A schedule of films is available at AmericanIndian.si.edu/calendar.
On May 6 and 7 in Washington, D.C. the all female group Zuni Olla Maidens give a performance. Hailing from New Mexico, the women perform dance steps while holding clay pots on their heads! Performances are at noon, 2pm, and 3:30pm.
On May 13 and 14 from 11am to 5pm is the Native New York Children’s Festival with hands on and interactive events including dollmaking, Tuscarora beadwork, and dancing. Visitors can also learn about the Native American sport of lacrosse and hear stories from the Haudenosaunee Nation.
In Washington, D.C. May 13 and 14 “In Focus: Hawaiian Voyaging and Dance” run from 10am to 5:30pm. In a celebration of the cultures from the nation’s 50th state are demonstrations and importance of voyaging and dance. Visitors will learn about knot-tying with some hands on experience and see performances by the Hawaiian dance group Halau Pua Ali’I ‘Ilima.
On May 16 beginning at 7pm in an online session via Zoom, Native Knowledge 360° features “American Indian Removal” – “What Does it Mean to Remove a People?”. Interested parties may register at https://smithsonian.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckd-mopzgpGtwkc8JzjPLfrKkY8WIGMA5J#/registration.
The Native American Veterans Film Screening of “Corridor Four” is at 2pm on May 27 in Washington, D.C. Featuring Native Hawaiian Isaac Ho’opi’I, the film is a portrait of the first responder on 9/11 and his journey to overcome the trauma of that fateful day. The screening concludes with a discussion with Ho’opi’I and a performance form his group The Aloha Boys.
Feature photo credit: Courtesy of C&G Partners