Although the first "American Indian Day" was celebrated in May 1916 in New York, a month-long recognition of Native Americans did not happen until 1990. That year, President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Since then, the title has expanded to celebrate the heritage, history, art and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives.
In honor of this year's National American Indian Heritage Month, Smithsonian.com explores the tragic history of the Cherokees' struggles with Andrew Jackson, takes a look at modern Native artists and investigates how to cook Native foods.
Highlights From “Infinity of Nations”
A new exhibition explores thousands of years of artwork from the Native nations of North, Central and South America
By Jess Righthand
Q and A: James Luna
The Native American artist talks about his "Take a Picture With a Real Indian" performance
By Jess Righthand
The Cherokees vs. Andrew Jackson
John Ross and Major Ridge tried diplomatic and legal strategies to maintain autonomy, but the new president had other plans
By Brian Hicks
Where to Get a Great Rug, and a Helping of Navajo Culture
Connoisseurs of Native American textiles know to go to the Crownpoint, New Mexico, Navajo Rug Auction
By Susan Spano
Victoria Blackie Brings Some Country to NMAI
Catch up-and-coming Navajo country artist Victoria Blackie this Saturday, June 11, outside of NMAI
By Jeff Campagna
Women's History Month-Meet Artist Margarete Bagshaw
We all know the saying “like mother, like daughter” but for third-generation Pueblo artist Margarete Bagshaw the phrase may as well be “like mother, like daughter, like grand daughter.” Following in the footsteps of her mother, Helen Hardin (1943-1984), and grandmother, Pablita Velarde (1918-2006),...
By Madeline Andre
The Work of R.C. Gorman, the Picasso of American Indian Art
Tucked away in a small, intimate second floor gallery at the American Indian Museum is an exhibition of the early works of Navajo artist R.C. Gorman. The show features 28 drawings and lithographs by an artist that the New York Times has called, "The Picasso of American Indian Art."Best known for hi...
By Jamie Simon
Chef Richard Hetzler Dishes on Native Food
Smithsonian.com's food blogger Amanda Bensen has referred to area south of the National Mall as a "culinary desert." The Mitsitam Cafe, a Zagat-rated restaurant located inside the American Indian Museum is then the oasis. Mitsitam, which opened with the museum in 2004, serves up Native American del...
By Jess Righthand
The Faces of Climate Change
Flooding islands, melting glaciers and dried-up streams: experience the impacts of climate change through the "Conversations with the Earth" exhibition
By Joseph Stromberg
