Translated Museum Guides

Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories—Collaborators Celebration

Join us for the Field Museum's opening celebration of the newly-renovated Native North American Hall, recognizing our Native contributors.

A mixed media portrait showing two faces overlapping drawn in pencil on a ledger sheet. The faces are surrounded by native imagery in black, blue and red colored pencil.

Over four years in the making and in partnership with Native American artists, storytellers, and collaborators, the groundbreaking exhibition Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories features stories by Native American people of self-determination, resilience, continuity, and the future.

Native Community Preview Days: May 14 and May 15, 2022

The Field Museum invites Native American community members to get an exclusive first look at our newest exhibition Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories. This exhibition will be free to preview but reservations will be required. Basic admission to the museum will be included.

Reserve your spot for May 14

Reserve your spot for May 15

Opening Celebration: Saturday, May 21

10am, Menominee Peace Tree Ceremony in the Rice Native Gardens

Join us on the Northwest terrace to commemorate the Peace Tree. A gift to the museum from the Menominee Tribal Enterprises, it is a symbol of the museum's community and familial relationships, and a living contract of respect between the Field and the many Indigenous communities with whom we partner.

10:30am-12pm, Collaborator Brunch Reception in the Founder’s Room

Enjoy complimentary refreshments brought to you through a partnership with The Sioux Chef and the Field Museum. Available from 10:30am-12pm in the Founder's Room.

Please RSVP

1:30pm, Opening Program in the James Simpson Theatre

Join us for a special program recognizing the partnership between Native communities and the Field for the development of this ground-breaking exhibition, along with a celebratory demonstration from the American Indian Center. Featured speakers:

  • Julian Siggers, President and CEO, Field Museum
  • Alaka Wali, Ph.D. Curator Emeritus, Negaunee Integrative Research Center
  • Brian Vallo, Native Advisory Committee Member, Pueblo of Acoma
  • W. Richard West Jr., President Emeritus, The Autry Museum of the American West
  • Cynthia Chavez Lamar, Director, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution

2:20pm, Procession

Participate in a procession from James Simpson Theatre to the entrance of the new Native North America Hall led by dancers and musicians from the American Indian Center. 

2:30pm, Ribbon Cutting and Blackfeet Posting Dance in Stanley Field Hall

Observe a special ribbon cutting ceremony and posting dance demonstration in Stanley Field Hall at the entrance to Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories.

Workshops and Demonstrations: May 20, May 21, and May 22

Engage with artists and collaborators through a series of free performances, demonstrations, and workshops that celebrate the thriving, modern culture of today’s Native communities from across the country. You can learn about basketweaving, see bead making, hear hand drums and listen to cultural stories and poetry. Full schedule to follow.