Plains Indian Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West

06/03/2026

Congratulations to Hunter Old Elk, Harriet and Edson W. Spencer Plains Indian Museum Curator on being awarded the Native American Jump Start "Distinguished Alumni Award."

06/02/2026

On this day in 1924, the Indian Citizenship Act, also known as the Snyder Act, was signed into law, granting citizenship to American Indians and Alaska Natives born within the United States.

The act marked a significant milestone in Native American history while preserving tribal citizenship and the unique government-to-government relationship between tribal nations and the federal government.

Today, tribal nations continue to govern their communities, uphold their sovereignty, and make decisions that reflect the needs, values, and priorities of their citizens. 🪶

05/15/2026

05/15/2026

For 20 years, students from have visited the Plains Indian Museum for a unique, hands-on museum studies experience at the .

During their two-day spring visit in April, students worked alongside museum staff, explored collections, and shared thoughtful insights about Indigenous history, culture, and representation in museums.

We’re honored to continue this meaningful partnership and inspired by the students’ perspectives each year. Read more about their experience in our latest blog post!

https://centerofthewest.org/2026/05/14/20-years-of-learning-st-labre-students-make-their-spring-visit/

While a late April snow fell on Cody, St. Labre students Mystic Anderson, Layla Nomee, Paxon Bearcomesout, Shaelee Bearchum, George Catubay, and Gladys

05/01/2026

Snow? No problem! ❄️

Last week, students from St. Labre Indian School brought their curiosity and creativity to the Plains Indian Museum for a two-day, hands-on museum studies experience—and they didn’t let a little winter weather slow them down!

From object handling to mount making the students worked side-by-side with Center of the West staff to learn what goes on behind the scenes in a museum. 🏛️

The result? A beautifully curated exhibit! ✨
Check out the newly updated St. Labre case—painted a bright, sunny yellow—just to the left of the Plains Indian Museum entrance.

Stop by and see their incredible work next time you visit. It’ll brighten your day! 🌞

05/01/2026

A Blackfoot Story of the Prairie Crocus Cradleboard
Jackie Larson Bread, 2024 — tanned hide, velveteen, beads, shells, pearls, ermine, brass hawk bells

Master artist Jackie Larson Bread uses the intricate technique of hyper-realism bead embroidery to portray the Blackfeet story of Wapee and the prairie crocus. The prairie crocus holds deep spiritual and medicinal significance for the Blackfoot people.

05/01/2026

FREE for members — 10:00–11:30 AM (check in at main entrance or follow your email link to join virtually).
Join us Saturday, May 2, 2026, for Coffee & Curators featuring the Plains Indian Museum. Hear our curators discuss special projects, recent acquisitions, and more.
Space is limited. Reserve: [email protected] or 307-578-4008. Not a member? Join: https://brnw.ch/21x1Z0d

Upcoming Coffee and Curators events:
Jun 6 — Cody Fi****ms Museum.
Aug 1 — Draper Natural History Museum.
Oct 3 — Buffalo Bill Museum.
Nov 7 — Whitney Western Art.

04/21/2026

Tune into the Food Network for a special addition of Chopped featuring top Indigenous Chefs.

A special episode of Chopped titled “Indigenous Inspiration” will air April 21 on Food Network, featuring four Indigenous chefs competing with baskets centered on Indigenous ingredients.

The episode is described by the network as a “first-of-its-kind” competition focused on Indigenous culinary traditions.

Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet/Cherokee), Ray Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo), Justin Pioche (Navajo), and Jessica Walks First (Menominee) will prepare a three-course meal across appetizer, entrée, and dessert rounds, with one chef eliminated each round. The winner will receive $10,000.

The judging panel includes Sean Sherman, Pyet DeSpain, and Eric Adjepong.

The episode airs at 9 p.m. ET and will stream on Discovery+ after broadcast.

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Will you be tuning in?

Source: Indian Country Today (Sandra Hale Schulman)

04/15/2026

Incised Parfleche
Apsáalooke (Crow), Montana
ca. 1850, buffalo hide
Chandler- Pohrt Collection, NA.106.594
Plains Indian Museum Collection