Association on American Indian Affairs Launches Weeklong Tribal Museums Celebration

The Association on American Indian Affairs is set to host its fourth annual Tribal Museums Day, an expansive, weeklong celebration of Indigenous cultures and histories that commences on Saturday, December 6th and continues through December 12th. The event will be inaugurated with a special live-streamed launch, providing an immediate gateway into the diverse narratives and perspectives of the original Peoples of Turtle Island.

Centering Native Voices and Expertise

The initiative serves to spotlight the critical role of Tribal museums and cultural centers as the definitive sources of Native knowledge. Over 150 Tribal museums and cultural centers located across the country are participating, offering visitors unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with Native Peoples and their respective Nations, who are rightly regarded as the primary experts on their own unique histories, cultures, and lifeways.

Each participating institution will share its own unique, localized narrative, thereby allowing guests to delve into specific regional histories, experience vibrant contemporary Native cultures, and explore a wealth of Native-made art, books, foods, and other handcrafted items. The Association aids prospective visitors by providing a comprehensive Tribal Museums Map, which includes detailed listings and direct website links to facilitate trip planning, offering practical information regarding hours of operation, parking, and other necessary details.

Shannon O'Loughlin, a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Association’s CEO and attorney, extended a warm invitation to the public, underscoring the welcoming atmosphere of these institutions. O'Loughlin encouraged guests to "slow down, ask questions, and spend time with the museum staff," emphasizing that these individuals are the "teachers, culture bearers, and knowledge holders" who imbue the experiences with profound meaning.

The Live-Streamed Launch and Special Offerings

The week’s activities will officially begin with the live-streamed event on December 6th at 2 p.m. Central Time. This broadcast will feature in-depth interviews with various wisdom keepers and provide valuable insights from the participating museums. The live content will be made available across the Association’s digital channels, including YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

Institutions confirmed to be participating in the inaugural live-streaming event include the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council’s Nay’dini’aa Na’ Kayax’ Cultural Facility, the United Keetoowah Band’s John Hair Cultural Center and Keetoowah Museum, and the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians’ MOWA Choctaw Cultural Center.

Throughout the weeklong celebration, the Tribal museums and cultural centers are expected to enhance the experience with special offerings, which may include free or discounted admission, compelling live cultural demonstrations, the unveiling of special exhibits, and the hosting of unique holiday markets.

The annual event is supported through partnerships with several influential organizations, including the National Museum of the American Indian, Native America Calling, Native News Online, and the American Indigenous Tourism Association. Comprehensive information regarding Tribal Museums Day, a full list of participating museums, details on special offers, and access to the live-streaming event is available on the Association’s website.