Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

01/26/2023

A View into Two Worlds | NMAI Magazine

On this day in 1938, Zitkala-Ša (“Red Bird”), an accomplished Yankton Sioux writer, violinist and composer who was also an outspoken advocate for Indigenous rights and women’s suffrage passed at the age of 61. Throughout her life, Zitkala-Ša worked tirelessly for American Indian citizenship rights, independence and sovereignty. She co-founded the National Council of American Indians in 1926 to attain proper healthcare, legal status and land rights for Indigenous peoples and served as the organization’s president until her death.
https://www.americanindianmagazine.org/story/zitkala-sa

Images in the Smithsonian archives of Zitkala-Ša show how this accomplished Yankton Sioux writer, violinist, composer and advocate for Indigenous rights and women’s suffrage lived in two very different cultures.

01/25/2023

Rare Books at the Vine Deloria, Jr. Library

No rare books were harmed in the making of this video—we promise!

In case you missed it, we're celebrating Museum Library Week. Follow along on our Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/smithsoniannmai/) or catch up right here.

Get a peek at some unique items in our small, but growing, rare book collection! Head Librarian Elayne Silversmith (Diné) recently gave us a tour of the Vine Deloria, Jr. Library, located in Suitland, MD in the Cultural Resources Center (CRC) where it shares research and collection space with the Archives of the National Museum of the American Indian. More information about the Deloria Library at library.si.edu/libraries/american-indian

Stay tuned to hear more from Elayne during hosted by Smithsonian Libraries and Archives and the Thomas J. Watson Library, The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

01/23/2023

Glass artist Preston Singletary: Shattering expectations

Did you catch Preston Singletary Glass on your screens this Sunday morning? In case you missed it, watch the segment now.👇

Don't miss your chance to experience "Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight" (s.si.edu/3wG5RRn) before it closes at our Washington, DC museum this coming Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023.

01/22/2023

We remember renowned glass artist Tony Jojola (Isleta Pueblo, 1958-2022) who passed away in New Mexico on December 28, 2022. He is survived by his mother, son, daughter, and partner. Jojola had an international art career that spanned almost five decades, and he was known for his blown and sculpted glass works inspired by Pueblo pottery and fetishes.

From Isleta Pueblo, he entered the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe in 1975 where he worked with glass instructors Carl Ponca (Osage) and Larry Ahvakana (Inupiaq). He then studied glass at the Haystack Mountain School of Crafts and Dale Chihuly’s Pilchuck Glass School. Jojola met Preston Singletary at Pilchuck Glass School and encouraged Singletary to create glass work inspired by his Tlingit ancestry. By 1980, Jojola was an apprentice to Chihuly and then returned to New Mexico to earn his BFA from the College of Santa Fe in 1983. Later he taught at Chihuly’s Hilltop Artists, a glass workshop that offered free classes to students in Tacoma. In the late 1990s, Jojola co-founded the Taos Glass Arts and Education, a glass school for Native youth, which operated for 10 years.

Jojola came from a family of artists, and for him, the glass medium was “a way to take old traditions and apply them in a new and very beautiful way.” For example, Jojola made the blue disks that line the rim of the yellow jar pictured using his grandfather's silversmithing stamps. The bear figure is based on Pueblo fetishes. Find other works in our collection: s.si.edu/3XPvhaq.

In 2000, the Wheelwright Museum honored him with a retrospective exhibition, "Born of Fire: Works in Glass by Tony Jojola." Along with our museum, Jojola’s works are in the collections of the Heard Museum, IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, and the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery.

01/20/2023

About Native Knowledge 360°

Want to offer learners new perspectives on Native American history & cultures? Sign up to learn about free lesson plans, handouts, and upcoming webinars: https://bit.ly/3Qw4I7w

Get to know Native Knowledge 360: https://s.si.edu/2I8eZI6

Native Knowledge 360° is a national education initiative to inspire and promote improved teaching and learning about Native America.

01/19/2023

Twenty-Three Smithsonian Shows to See in 2023

Mark your calendars for exciting new exhibitions!

This spring, we'll be hosting the first major retrospective of the work of Robert Houle (b. 1947, Saulteaux Anishinaabe, Sandy Bay First Nation). "Robert Houle: Red is Beautiful," opens at our Washington, DC, museum on May 25, 2023.

At our New York City location, we're celebrating more than 50 years of paintings, photographs, mixed-media works, and films by Shelley Niro (Six Nations Kanyen’kehá:ka (Mohawk)). "Shelley Niro: 500 Year Itch" opens on May 27, 2023.

Learn more: https://americanindian.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/upcoming

Check out what else is on around the Smithsonian this year via Smithsonian Magazine.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/twenty-three-smithsonian-shows-to-see-in-2023-180981433/

A rare Bible, George Clinton's colorful wig, Disney World history and Japanese ghosts debut this year

01/17/2023

Inuk artist Ulayu Pingwartok produced more than 700 drawings during her career, but only thirty or so were made into prints like this one of a "Winter Scene". She continued to draw until the year before her death.

Pingwartok was known for her drawings and prints of nature and domestic scenes. This stone-cut print is a combination of both with five adults and two children bundled in parkas, three facing forward and the rest turned towards three bears and a raven in the background.

Throughout the 1960s and '70s, her work was publicly exhibited numerous times in Canada and the United States, including in a solo show, “Ulayu.” Her work can be found in the collections of our museum, as well as a few others in the United States, along with a number of galleries and museums in Canada.
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Ulayu Pingwartok, (Inuit [Cape Dorset], 1904-1978). “Winter Scene,” 1967. Cape Dorset (Kingait, Kinngait, Kingnait); Qikiqtaaluk Region (Qitirmiut, Baffin); Nunavut; Canada. 26/479.

#🐻 #🪶

01/16/2023

Americans

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the origins of the United States: “Our nation was born in genocide when it embraced the doctrine that the original American, the Indian, was an inferior race. Even before there were large numbers of Negroes on our shores, the scar of racial hatred had already disfigured colonial society. From the sixteenth century forward, blood flowed in battles of racial supremacy. We are perhaps the only nation which tried as a matter of national policy to wipe its indigenous population. Moreover, we elevated that tragic experience into a noble crusade. Indeed, even today we have not permitted ourselves to reject or to feel remorse for this shameful episode. Our literature, our films, our drama, our folklore all exalt it.”

Want to learn more about representations of American Indians in US culture? Explore "Americans," our ongoing exhibition in Washington, DC, and online. "Americans" highlights the ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began. Pervasive, powerful, at times demeaning, the images, names, and stories reveal the deep connection between Americans and American Indians as well as how Indians have been embedded in unexpected ways in the history, pop culture, and identity of the United States. https://americanindian.si.edu/americans/

Americans highlights the ways in which American Indians have been part of the nation’s identity since before the country began, and explores how Indians are embedded in the history, pop culture, and identity of the United States.

01/15/2023

Home Page | National Museum of the American Indian

Our museums in Washington, DC, and New York City are OPEN on Monday, January 16, and we're always open online: americanindian.si.edu

What's on view? 🤔
DC: https://americanindian.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/washington
NYC: https://americanindian.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/newyork

We look forward to welcoming you in-person or online!

The NMAI fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples.

01/14/2023

Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World | National Museum of the American Indian

CLOSING SOON: "Our Universes: Traditional Knowledge Shapes Our World" at our Washington, DC museum closes Sun., Feb. 12. Learn about different Indigenous cosmologies—worldviews & philosophies related to the creation and order of the universe: https://s.si.edu/3ZyN2My 🌌

The NMAI fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples.

01/13/2023

Have you made any resolutions for the new year? Maybe trying a new activity each month, making more time for loved ones, or prioritizing your wellness? Share with us in the comments what you hope 2023 will bring you and yours.

Pictured here, a Diné family, out for an excursion, ride their horses over Arizona State Highway 264 to maintain a healthy lifestyle and mental outlook. This scene was photographed by Donovan Quintero (Diné). Quintero, a photojournalist for the Navajo Times - "Diné bi Naaltsoos," has documented the pandemic’s impact throughout the Navajo Nation and the Diné’s response to it.

See more photos by Quintero, as well as by Native photojournalists Tailyr Irvine (Salish and Kootenai) and Russel Albert Daniels (Diné descent & Ho-Chunk descent) in "Developing Stories: Native Photographers in the Field". Each photographer explores an issue that is of deep personal interest and that touches the lives of Native people in a specific community. “Developing Stories” is on view at the National Museum of the American Indian in New York City through March 12, 2023 and a version of it exists as an online exhibition (https://s.si.edu/3Wbfwct).

Save the date for Sat., Feb. 4, when we welcome all three of these photographers to our New York museum for "Fresh Focus on Native American Photography". Learn more about the program and register: https://s.si.edu/3CRJqvJ.

Photo: Diné family on horseback, Navajo Nation, Ganado, Arizona, June 28, 2020. Photo by Donovan Quintero. © 2020, Navajo Times

01/11/2023

National Native American Veterans Memorial - Native Veterans Procession and Dedication Ceremony | National Museum of the American Indian

Two months ago we formally dedicated the National Native American Veterans Memorial on the grounds of our Washington, DC, museum. Now you can see photos from our Veterans Day weekend of celebration, and watch the procession and dedication ceremony: https://americanindian.si.edu/visit/washington/nnavm-dedication

The NMAI fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples.

01/10/2023

Don't miss your chance to apply for up to $10K in funding for your linguistic or cultural research—the deadline is this Sunday, Jan. 15!
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/research/anthropology/programs/recovering-voices/recovering-voices-community-research

Indigenous communities whose linguistic or cultural traditions are represented in the Smithsonian’s collections and archives are invited to submit a research proposal through the Smithsonian’s Recovering Voices Program. Awards of up to $10,000 can be used to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and research. Proposals are due by Sunday, January 15, 2023.
Learn more: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/research/anthropology/programs/recovering-voices/recovering-voices-community-research

01/09/2023

Native Knowledge 360° | Professional Development | Upcoming

Learn about the Native Knowledge 360 online inquiry "American Indian Removal: What does it Mean to Remove a People" and identify aspects of the lesson that show more complete narratives about the scope, scale & legacy of American Indian Removal.
https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/professional-development/upcoming-webinars

Native Knowledge 360° provides live and interactive programs to introduce educators to our extensive resources and learn how to incorporate more complete narratives about Native Americans.

01/06/2023

Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight | National Museum of the American Indian

CLOSING SOON: “Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight,” at our Washington, DC museum!
Learn Raven’s story through 60+ glass objects and sculptures created by Preston Singletary (Tlingit) paired with projected light, moving imagery and ethereal soundscapes.

The NMAI fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples.

01/04/2023

National Native American Veterans Memorial | National Museum of the American Indian

Planning a visit to the National Native American Veterans Memorial at our Washington, DC museum? Due to maintenance, the memorial will be closed to the public on Fri., Jan. 6 & Mon., Jan. 9. The memorial will be open to visitors over the weekend.

The NMAI fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples.

01/03/2023

EXECUTIVE CHEF job in Washington, DC with Compass Group Careers

: We are in search of an to shape the dining experience at our Mitsitam Cafe located in our Washington, DC museum. Candidates experienced in working with Indigenous cuisines are highly encouraged to apply.

Join Compass Group Careers in Washington, District of Columbia by applying to the EXECUTIVE CHEF job today! Start your career in Washington, District of Columbia now!

01/01/2023

Happy New Year from all of us at your National Museum of the American Indian!
If you paid us a visit online, in person in Washington, DC, or New York City, or connected with us on social media in 2022—thank you for your support. In 2023, we will continue to strive for equity and social justice for the Native peoples of the Western Hemisphere through education, inspiration, and empowerment, in partnership with Native peoples and their allies, like you.

We hope you'll make us a part of your 2023! Both of our locations, as well as our website, host multiple dynamic exhibitions that offer numerous ways for visitors of all ages to engage with and learn about the Indigenous communities and cultures of the Western Hemisphere.

If you're in Washington, DC, don't miss "Preston Singletary: Raven and the Box of Daylight" before it closes on Jan. 29, 2023. Singletary (Tlingit American) tells one of the most well-known stories of the Tlingit through unique glass sculptures in an immersive, multisensory experience that brings the Pacific Northwest coast formline style to life. This Tlingit 1968 Calendar Poster in our collection also demonstrates formline style and was produced by Warbonnet Enterprises, an all American Indian owned and operated company in Los Angeles.

In New York City? Don't miss "Developing Stories: Native Photographers in the Field," which features photo essays by Native photojournalists before it closes on March 12, 2023.

Learn more and plan your visit: americanindian.si.edu
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"Tlingit 1968 Calendar Poster" by Warbonnet Enterprises, 1967; paper and ink, 62.6 x 58.8 cm. 25/9592.

12/31/2022

Home Page | National Museum of the American Indian

Our museums in Washington, DC, and New York City are OPEN on New Year's Eve, December 31 and New Year's Day, January 1, and we're always open online: americanindian.si.edu

See you soon in person or online, this year or next! 🎆 🎈

The NMAI fosters a richer shared human experience through a more informed understanding of Native peoples.

12/28/2022

"As a young descendant of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Nizhóní Irvine is allowed in the tribes’ woods without a permit. However, as she is not enrolled in the tribe, after she turns 18 years old Nizhóní will need a permit each time she wishes to access the same outdoor recreational spaces without her father.

Her mother, Leah Nelson, describes the relationship between Native culture and access to tribal land: “I didn’t get to experience my culture because I did not live on my Navajo reservation. There are ceremonies I can’t learn because I wasn’t raised there.” She says she wants her daughter to have that connection. “We live here, and it’s important to me that she participates in the culture here so she knows where she comes from and who she is. Everything we do is outside because I want to show her our home.”

This photograph of newborn Nizhóní's first trip to the woods comes from “Reservation Mathematics: Navigating Love in Native America” by Tailyr Irvine (Salish and Kootenai). Irvine's photo essay delves into the legacy of US government regulations impacting Native Americans’ most personal decisions, including with whom they have children.

Our ongoing exhibition “Developing Stories: Native Photographers in the Field” is a series of photo essays created by photojournalists Russel Albert Daniels (Diné-descent and Ho-Chunk descent), Tailyr Irvine (Salish and Kootenai), and Donovan Quintero (Diné), currently on view at our New York City museum & online. Each of the three featured photographers explores an issue of deep personal interest that touches the lives of Native people in a specific community through a photo essay.
is on view now through March 12, 2023 at our New York City museum. A version is also available online at https://americanindian.si.edu/developingstories/.

Photo: Leah Nelson brings her newborn into the woods for the first time. Flathead Indian Reservation, Montana. 2019. Photo © Tailyr Irvine.

12/27/2022

Indigenous communities whose linguistic or cultural traditions are represented in the Smithsonian’s collections and archives are invited to submit a research proposal through the Smithsonian’s Recovering Voices Program. Awards of up to $10,000 can be used to cover the cost of travel, accommodation, and research. Proposals are due by Sunday, January 15, 2023.
Learn more: https://naturalhistory.si.edu/research/anthropology/programs/recovering-voices/recovering-voices-community-research

12/24/2022

"The introduction of Christianity to the Americas and the origins of Christmas can be controversial in Native circles. Europeans knowingly replaced Native people’s existing spiritual beliefs with the beliefs taught in the Bible. Cruelty and brutality often accompanied this indoctrination. Yet it is also true that some tribes, families, and individuals embraced the Bible and Jesus’ teachings voluntarily. [...] In many communities and homes, Christian customs are interwoven with Native culture as a means of expressing Christmas in a uniquely Native way."
How important is Christmas to Native families and communities? We share the answers to that question from multiple perspectives in our latest blog, "Christmas Across Native America": https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-indian/2022/12/21/christmas-across-native-america/
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All Smithsonian museums, including our Washington, DC, and New York City locations, are CLOSED tomorrow, Sun., Dec. 25. We reopen on Mon., Dec. 26, and are always open online: https://americanindian.si.edu/

Wishing you and yours a safe & happy winter season! ❄️
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"Christmas Eve Navajo Country," Beatien Yazz (Jimmy Toddy/Little No Shirt), Diné (Navajo), 1928-2022, ca. 1980, Arizona. 25/8487.

12/23/2022

❄️Know Your Stuff w/ Patuk Glenn and Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

❄️Know Your Stuff w/ Patuk Glenn and Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian

12/23/2022

"One piece of paper can capture many convergent moments in time. This scene of an Alaska Native man driving his reindeer may seem simple, but it actually represents a complex history.

A U.S. ship captain first brought reindeer, a semidomesticated caribou, from Siberia to western Alaska in 1892 as an additional food and income source for Inuit and Yup’ik communities. Chukchi herders from what is now Russia and Sámi from Finland, Norway and Sweden were later brought over to teach the Alaska Native peoples how to care for and herd the animals. Sleds were fashioned specifically for teams of reindeer as they could pull much more weight than the dogs that had been used. By 1902, more than 1,200 reindeer were distributed to Alaska Native communities.

The graphic style of Alaska Native art seen here began to be captured in wood-cut prints only during the past few decades. The late Iñupiaq artist Carl Hank created this scene in 1965 by cutting the reverse image into wood, painting it with ink and then pressing the paper on the carving. Hank made this work while a participant in a U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Arts and Crafts Board program called the Designer-Craftsman Training Project, which was designed to provide employment skills to artists. During the program’s short run from 1964 to 1965, a select group of artists in Nome, Alaska, learned how to use tools to create prints, carve wood and stone, and work silver into jewelry and other art pieces.

Today, Hank is known for his exceptional baskets woven out of baleen, the fine strips of keratin in the mouths of baleen whales. This wood-cut print is one of only a few he was known to have made." - Anne Bolen, assistant managing editor of American Indian magazine.

The text here is republished in full from the new Winter 2022 issue of our magazine. Read additional articles, including features on jeweler Erik Lee (Plains Cree), the origins of maple syrup, the game of snow snake, and more. https://www.americanindianmagazine.org/issues/winter-2022
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“Reindeer Sled,” Carl Hank (Iñupiaq), 1965; paper and ink; 15.75” x 6”. 25/9406