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National Museum of the American Indian

"Never Underestimate the Power of Your Mind"—Artist Caroline Monnet

Caroline Monnet—a multidisciplinary artist with roots in Algonquin, Quebecois, and French culture—talks about her background, artists she admires, the challenges contemporary Native artists face, and the hopes she and her colleagues in the ITWÉ Collective have for their art, including the installation "Manifestipi": "Our intention was to create a place of gathering where dialogue would be central to the experience. I think we’ve managed to achieve that. Each person comes out of the experience with a different perspective or take on the work. It is fantastic when an artwork becomes an experience."

George Catlin (1796–1872).

The Choctaw Nation's Gift to the Irish

In 1847, only 14 years after their long, sad march along the Trail of Tears ended, Choctaw people in Oklahoma learned of the Irish famine. With great empathy, Choctaw individuals made donations totaling $170, the equivalent of several thousand dollars today, for the relief of the Irish poor. Here Judy Allen, historic projects office of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, describes “an act that shaped tribal culture" and the lasting friendship it created between the two nations.

Kevin Gover, director of the National Museum of the American Indian, and Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation representative and CEO of Oneida Indian Nation Enterprises, at the dedication of the new interpretive sound, light, and imagery around the sculpture “Allies in War, Partners in Peace.” (Katherine Fogden [Mohawk], National Museum of the American Indian)

New Sound-and-Light Installation Brings to Life the Oneida Nation's Aid to the American Revolution

A new multimedia presentation surrounding the monumental sculpture "Allies in War, Partners in Peace" at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington details the Oneida Nation's aid and support to the American Revolution. “This enhanced interpretation provides an immersive experience for visitors to understand the country's rich history, so that there is a deeper understanding of the nuance, texture and depth of that history,” says Oneida Nation representative Ray Halbritter. “This exhibit commemorates the friendship that was forged between the Oneida Nation and the United States during the Revolutionary War, as well as the incredible sacrifices made by our ancestors during the founding of our country.”

Middle school students learning with educational resources on American Indian removal produced by the National Museum of the American Indian. (Alex Jamison)

Teachers, Do You Need Better Resources? You’re Not Alone: Native Knowledge 360° Is Here to Help

Teachers often struggle, through no fault of their own, to locate culturally appropriate and historically accurate teaching materials about American Indians. Many textbooks, popular media, and prepackaged curricula relegate American Indians to the distant past and fail to illustrate the dynamic and diverse cultures of Native America. The National Museum of the American Indian—through the national education initiative Native Knowledge 360°, Teacher-in-Residence (TIR) Program, and outreach to educators—wants to change all that.

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