Skip to main content

Subscribe to Smithsonian magazine and get a FREE tote.

National Museum of the American Indian

Official marquee

Festivals Officially Return to the National Museum of the American Indian Starting with the Cherokee Festival

After a hiatus due to the Covid crisis, in-person events are now scheduled for the museums in New York and Washington D.C.

Two Natives waiting for the fire fight

A Return to the Wounded Knee Occupation, 50 Years Later

The new era of social consciousness and racial activism in the 1970s would play a pivotal role in the events leading up to the 71-day occupation

NMAI MDCC Garment IMG_4309.JPG

How Shared Stewardship Is Bringing to Light One of the World’s Most Significant Holdings of Mi’kmaw Cultural Items

How do two institutions work in partnership across borders and time zones to care for cultural items? More than 25 years ago, the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) in Nova Scotia and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian began a partnership that continues today.

Michigan Anishinaabe women April Lindala, Linda Batiste-Cohen and Michelle Reed

Christmas Across Native America

Celebrations, memorials, and gatherings during the winter holiday season

Cynthia Vidaurri 2.JPG

Indigenous Mestiza Researcher Features Indigenous Stories from Latin America and the Caribbean

Cynthia Vidaurri, folklorist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, travels the world conveying the stories of Indigenous peoples. In her recent American Indian Magazine article, “Mexico’s Legendary Xoloitzcuintli, the Hairless Dog,” Vidaurri highlights one of the first known dog breeds domesticated in the Americas by Indigenous people.

Thanksgiving from an Indigenous Perspective

How do Native Americans make peace with a national holiday that romanticizes the 1621 encounter between their ancestors and English settlers, and erases the deadly conflicts that followed?

5 suggestions, Youth in Action.png

Five Ideas for Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2022

From reading Indigenous authors to exploring Native plants, these activities suit everyone in the family

Bison on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana

The Return of a National Icon

Bison, commonly referred to by Native people as “buffalo,” were once on the brink of extinction. Discover how the revival of the bison became one of the United States' great conservation success stories.

Join Us to Honor the Exceptional Military Service of Native Americans

Native American Veterans Procession and Dedication Ceremony for National Native American Veterans Memorial Scheduled for November 11, 2022

Max Yamane Powwow Head Male Dancer

Max Hiroshi Yamane: Initiating Relationships with Native People

Learn how one Asian American has made extended family relationships and respectfully participates in contemporary Native culture.

Hawaiian wa'a (canoe)

Ka Mo‘olelo o Au Hou ma Wakinekona, D.C. | The Story Behind the Hawaiian Canoe in Washington, D.C.

For thousands of years, Native Hawaiians have traveled the Pacific in traditional voyaging canoes. A fixture on the National Mall for almost 20 years now, a wa‘a (Hawaiian canoe) named Au Hou has called Washington, D.C. home since the National Museum of the American Indian’s grand opening in 2004.

alaskan_poet_2.jpeg

National Poetry Month: An Interview With Alaskan Poet Ishmael Angaluuk Hope

Weaving words of Indigenous experiences with contemporary contemplation and intellect

Denver March Powwow Arena.jpg

With Color and Pageantry, Denver March Powwow Signals the Season's Opening

After two years of cancellations, Native powwows across Indian Country make a thriving and significant comeback

Worth Waiting, Craig George

Romance in Indian Country

What does romance look like in Native America? Join us as we delve into inside world of Indigenous people as they look for love and romance

Cynthia and her husband Walter

Museum's New Director Dr. Cynthia Chavez Lamar Says Her Goal Is 'Listening, Being Respectful and Asking for Help'

Chavez emphasizes how she plans to maintain her cultural and communal ties while working in Washington D.C.

Taffy Abel

A Forgotten Olympic First

Taffy Abel, U.S. hockey's initial American Indian player, won a silver medal at the inaugural Winter Games almost a century ago

NCAI delegates.jpg

A Retro Look in the Archives Reveals Past Views on Language Derogatory to Native Americans

Although current views may point to “political correctness” for changes in language and terminology, by looking back through historical documents, it’s quite clear that this is not something new.

The Christmas Season in Indian Country

Celebrations, memorials, and gatherings during the winter holiday season

3 amigos at Capitol.jpg

Native Rights Are Human Rights

Remembering the humanity of Indigenous peoples on International Human Rights Day

'If You Lived During the Plimoth Thanksgiving' by Chris Newell Exposes New Truths About a Major American Holiday

Just in time for Thanksgiving, this newly released book explains the events surrounding the original feast at Plimoth – from a Native perspective.

Categories
Archive

Page 2 of 7