Designed by Kyle Malott (Pokagon Band Potawatomi), painted and scaled by Sergio Ceron (Otomi-Pame), this ceiling mural depicts Potawatomi Star Constellations and is accompanied by a guide book to learn more about the stories depicted above. Take a seat in our library, browse the books, or ask for a blanket to lay down, look up, and enjoy the view.
Inuit artistry began with stone and bone carvings to record traditional life. For 2,500 years, Inuit carvers created sculptures of stone, bone, ivory, baleen and wood to pass down traditions. Today’s artists continue to pass on their skills to the next generation.
Basket construction and usage vary in tribal communities across the United States and Canada. California Tribes are best known for their intricate basket weaving with geometric and pictorial designs. Check out the video to learn more!
The Northwestern Coast/ California section of our permanent exhibit, “A Regional Tour of American Indian Cultures” showcases.
The squash blossom necklace is one of the best-known jewelry types in the Southwest honoring the trumpet-shaped flower of the squash plant. Though squash blossom necklaces are made by several different tribes of the Southwest region, they are primarily associated with the Navajo. The necklaces continue to evolve since their emergence into the iconic necklaces that are associated with the Southwest today. Watch the video to find out more!
Check back next week for more of our Virtual Sunday series.
Tuesday, April 16th
6:00pm – 7:30pm
We are honored and humbled to welcome esteemed entrepreneur Henry Red Cloud (Oglala Lakota Tribe), founder of Lakota Solar Enterprises (LSE), on his journey to return his great grandfather Chief Red Cloud’s eagle feather bonnet to the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. Accompanied by tribal elders, Henry Red Cloud will share his story of the repatriation process, display—for the event only– Chief Red Cloud’s bonnet, and promote renewable energy, his current mission.
On April 8th, Henry will receive from Washington College in Maryland, an exquisite 81 feather eagle bonnet worn by Chief Red Cloud in the 1860-1870’s. To mark the momentous occasion of the repatriation of this unique Lakota artifact, Henry is retracing his great-great-grandfather’s journey when he visited President Grant in Washington, D.C.
On his return, Henry will share his experience with museum visitors April 16th and talk about the importance and processes for repatriation of funerary and sacred objects to native peoples. As a world-renowned climate warrior, Henry Red Cloud heads an effort that provides green job training for tribal members and implements renewable energy and sustainable building projects. Please join us for this event that is sure to be an educational and memorable opportunity for all.
Museum Admission w/ $5 suggested donation. Tribal members are free.
Tuesday, April 7th – Friday, April 17th
Tuesdays – Fridays: 10:00am – 5:00pm
School’s Out! Spring Break Crafts
Hop over to the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian during your spring break and explore Native American culture through hands-on projects.
Arts and crafts is an ongoing tradition of many Native tribes that continues to incorporate traditional skills and respect. Come explore crafts developed before European contact and how tribes later incorporated new trade materials. DIY craft kits are appropriate for all ages, so bring the whole family!
Spring Break Crafts: Talking stick, Beaded Necklace, or Mini Moccasin.
$2-3 each with museum admission.
April Weekend Craft & Stories: Musical Instruments
Saturdays from 11:00am – 12:00pm &
Sundays from 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Each month, the Mitchell Museum offers family crafts appropriate for all ages that focus on a specific theme in Native American cultures. In April, you can create the sounds of various tribes across the country and explore how they continue to make and use traditional instruments.
April Crafts: Rattle, Drum, and Flute
$1 – $4 with museum admission!
