Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories—Collaborators Celebration

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.
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.
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.
Acknowledgements
The Field Museum gratefully acknowledges the Sarowitz Family for lead support of Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories. Major support is offered by Robert R. McCormick Foundation, the Efroymson-Hamid Family, Roger and Peter McCormick/Chauncey and Marion D. McCormick Foundation, and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
Additional support is provided by Carolyn S. Bucksbaum, Elizabeth Morse Genius Charitable Trust, Julie and Matthew K. Simon, and Cia and Tom Souleles.
Image: It’s Complicated by Chris Pappan and Jaalen Edenshaw