November is American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian will host a variety of free programs throughout the month including lectures, theatrical performances, art demonstrations, films and more. Here is the schedule of events at the museum on the National Mall in Washington, DC:
2007 Events to be Announced Soon!
Panel Discussion
November 3, 2006 - “Indigenous Archaeology: Respecting Objects, History and Place,” at 7 p.m. Rasmuson Theater.Dance Performances
November 3-5, 2006 - The Lepquinm Gumilgit Gogoadim. Dance Group from Anchorage, Alaska, will present heritage songs and dances from the Tsimshian culture at 10:30 a.m. and noon. Rasmuson Theater.November 17, 2006 - Ksan Performing Arts Group from the Gitxsan Nation in north central British Columbia will perform a traditional welcome and gift-giving song and dance in the museum’s Potomac Atrium at 10:30 a.m. and noon.
Native Theater
November 7-9, 11 and 12, 2006 - A musical performance of “Gunakadeit: An Alaskan Sea Monster Story”— a one-act theater piece for children and families about a man, a mother-in-law and a sea monster at 10:30 and 11:45 a.m. Rasmuson Theater. Reservations are required; call (202) 375-1500 for tickets.Native Art Demonstrations
November 7-12, and 17-19, 2006 A Cultural Arts Festival will be held in celebration of the exhibition, “Listening to Our Ancestors: The Art of Native Life along the North Pacific Coast.” The festival will feature art demonstrations by several North Pacific Coast artists at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Potomac Atrium.Storytelling
November 7-9, & 11-12, 2006 - Stories about Alaska Native heritage at 2 and 3:30 p.m. Rasmuson TheaterNovember 10-12, 2006 - “Listening to Our Ancestors: The Art of Native Life along the North Pacific Coast”, at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
Family Day
November 11, 2006 - “North Pacific Coast Weaving Traditions” from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tlingit weaver, dancer and storyteller Lorene Boxley will talk about Tlingit women’s weaving skills and techniques. Participants will have an opportunity to create their own mat or basket to take home.Performances
November 14-16, 2006 - Tobias Vanderhoop - Through story, song, drumming, dance and drama, visitors will learn how Wampanoags traditionally offered thanks at 10:30 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Rasmuson Theater.All programs are subject to change. For a complete schedule of public programs, visit the official web site.
