November is Native American Heritage Month. Join us in celebrating the diversity of values, traditions, and languages that make up the rich cultures of Native American communities this month and all year long.
Events and programming
We commemorate Native American Heritage Month both at the museum and from home, with in-person and online programming. Staff members and guest speakers share presentations about the objects and issues at the heart of Native histories and contemporary experiences.
Welcome Ceremony
Dave Spencer from the American Indian Center started the celebration with a blessing prayer and a traditional song. Oka Homma Singers presented a hand drum and song performance.
First Nations Film and Video Festival
The First Nations Film and Video Festival in Chicago showcased the cinematic works of Native American filmmakers and experiences of the Native American people. Screenings from established and emerging film storytellers and auteurs from around North America were shown, and there were Q&A sessions and workshops.
Storytime in Pawnee Earth Lodge
Librarian Daylily Alvarez from the Chicago Public Library and Field Museum staff presented a story time celebrating Native American Heritage Month and honoring the many Indigenous nations that have called and still call Chicago home. The event was held in-person in the Pawnee Earth Lodge, part of the Museum's new permanent exhibit, Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories.
Native American Heritage Month Celebration
This free celebration was held throughout the museum featuring Native American cultural performances, story tellers, and more. Included were a beadwork demonstration by Norma Robertson and a performance by Warriors Legacy Dance Group will be performing alongside Oka Homa Singers
Meet a Scientist
During November, sessions of Meet a Scientist are part of our celebration of Native American Heritage Month as we honor the work done by Native staff and collaborators at the Field.
Eli Suzukovich shares a taxidermy specimen with a group of young visitors. The specimen is set on top a table with the visitors gathered around the specimen on the other side of the table.
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Monthly Member Lecture
Featured artist Missy Mahan highlighted her culture in Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories with her own artwork and regalia presented alongside pieces from the Field Museum’s anthropology collection. View the recorded session on YouTube.
Behind the Artwork of Missy Mahan
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Meet a Museum Insider Online
Meet a Museum Insider Online Join us on Wednesday afternoons for an up-close look at what Field staff members do every day Featured topics included the curation of a special menu in our Bistro for Native American Heritage month.
View the recorded session with Chef Walks First on our Facebook page.
Plus, you can still rewatch last year's talk, "Indigenous Language Representations," a conversation with collections assistant Michelle Brownlee and conservation technician J. Kae Good Bear.
Three people speak on a Zoom presentation.
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Armour Research Seminar Series
Our weekly seminar series features speakers and their research related to the study of natural history and culture.
Shop online
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with special merchandise, books, and toys. All purchases help support the Field’s work and Native-owned artists and companies.
A selection of items available for purchase in the museum store, including a water bottle, cap, enamel pins and stickers.
