The Institute for American Indian Studies

...American Holly - Festive, Tough and Useful! In addition to the many medicinal uses found for this plant, Native American communities believed it symbolized courage and was often attached to their war shields. To find out more check out our new blog. https://nativeamericanmuseum.blogspot.com/2024/01/medicinal-monday-american-holly-festive.html

Due to weather conditions, the Museum will be closed today, Sunday January 7, 2024. We will open again on Wednesday, January 10th.

NASA has plans to launch a rocket on January 8, 2024 that will contain human remains among its cargo. This has drawn the ire of the Navajo Nation and the Coalition of Large Tribes, which represents more than 50 Tribal Nations. They object to the mission because the moon is considered sacred in many Indigenous faiths, and leaving human remains there could be considered a desecration of this sacred space. In the 1990s, NASA incited similar outcry when it sent a rocket to the moon to deposit the remains of a former astronaut. Following that event, NASA pledged to consult with tribes before any similar mission, a pledge they did not fulfill in this instance. For more information, check out the linked article below.

https://nativenewsonline.net/sovereignty/coalition-of-large-tribes-supports-navajo-nation-s-objections-to-nasa-sending-human-remains-to-the-moon

... Archaeology Roundtable Series - On Saturday, January 13th at 2 pm we are offering a virtual program...“Decolonizing Archaeological Interpretations of Native American Agriculture: An Example from Northern Iroquoia” with John Hart. Find out how Iroquian agriculture was well adapted to the local climate and how new findings emphasize the need to evaluate old perceptions. Please register online to receive a Zoom link. Questions? Please call (860) 868-0518 or email [email protected]. Price of participation: Free for IAIS and LHAC Members; $10 for Non-Members. Support for this program has been provided by the Jane Goodall Center at Western Connecticut State University.

IAISMuseum

Resolve to learn more with us outdoors - From moonlight walks and winter survival techniques to learning about maple sugaring the way Native Americans have done it for centuries, our programs are unique because they immerse participants in an unforgettable cultural experience that is fun and educational.

- Resolve to Get the Kids Outdoors! At the Institute for American Indian Studies, we offer many programs that keep your children learning while getting them outdoors. On January 20th for example we are offering an in-person Snow Snake program, a traditional Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) winter game, is still played today in many Northern Native American communities. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please visit our website to register online. Questions? Email [email protected] or call (860) 868-0518. Price of participation including materials: $20 for Non-Members, $10 for IAIS Members.

On the second day of 2024, we would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have volunteered, donated, joined, or advocated on behalf of the Institute. By participating in our programs, and events, by sharing our social media posts, or by telling your friends and family about us, you spread the word about the work we do. For that, we will always be grateful and thank -you for your stalwart support in 2023 and look forward to seeing you at our programs and events in 2024.

For those of you who respect and appreciate Native American culture and those who enjoy the many programs and exhibitions put together by the Institute for American Indian Studies, please consider us for your end-of-the-year gift. As a non-profit, we rely on donations and memberships to keep our museum thriving and operating. So please consider a donation to IAIS this time of year as we are planning an exciting 2024 for all of us to look ahead to. https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/Donate



The Institute for American Indian Studies

IAIS exists to reconnect us to each other and to remind and teach us about the many wonderful lessons, ways, and cultures of Native American peoples. If you have spent time with us, you know IAIS is filled with exciting exhibitions, trails open for exploration, inspiring programs, and a dedicated team of passionate, creative people excited to share their knowledge. We are a treasured state resource that continues to grow and thrive because of the support of people like you, We would like to thank you in advance for your donation...and continued support of IAIS. https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/Donate



The Institute for American Indian Studies

..."I believe that art is intended to help people see. Not just see what’s in front of them on the canvas, but once they walk away from that to perhaps see things in their environment they haven’t previously focused on, they haven’t previously recognized." Peter Jemison, Seneca Nation

Tonight is the first full moon after the winter solstice, which marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. Join us for a walk to celebrate firsthand the beauty of December's full moon, as Native American communities have done for centuries. Please dress appropriately for the weather, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy footwear. If there are weather-related concerns on the day of the program, please contact the museum at 860-868-0518. The price of participation is $5 for IAIS Members and $10 for Non-Members. To register click here https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/14300

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An article from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian documents Christmas Across Native America. It is a fascinating glimpse of how the holidays are celebrated with gatherings, memorials, music, dances, gift-giving, and more. As the article notes... "In many communities and homes, Christian customs are interwoven with Native culture as a means of expressing Christmas in a uniquely Native way. The importance of giving is a cultural tradition among most tribes. Even in times of famine and destitution, Native people have made sure their families, the old, and orphans are taken care of. This mindset prevails into the present. Gift-giving is appropriate whenever a tribal social or ceremonial gathering takes place." To read the full article https://www.smithsonianmag.com/blogs/national-museum-american-indian/2022/12/21/christmas-across-native-america/

If you are looking for a fun and refreshing way to walk off some of the holiday goodies you have been eating then join the staff of the Institute for American Indian Studies for a Full Moon Walk on Tuesday, December 26 at 6 p.m. This year, even the moon is in a festive mood and will be fully illuminated on December 25th, 26th, and 27th. This full moon after the Winter Solstice takes the highest and longest path along the night sky. One of the names of the December full moon is “Long Night Moon” because it shines above the horizon longer than most full moons, making this walk extra special. To register click here https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/14300


The Institute for American Indian Studies

Cultures throughout the world have myriad holidays, festivals and celebrations that are influenced by historical events, religious and spiritual beliefs, and local customs, among other factors. In Native American cultures today, there is often a blending of traditional and Christian beliefs, and many Native Americans do celebrate Christmas, despite a complicated history surrounding the introduction of Christianity to many tribes. As this article from The Smithsonian Magazine explains, however, in Native communities and homes that celebrate Christmas, “Christian customs are interwoven with Native culture as a means of expressing Christmas in a uniquely Native way.” The article explores different ways that Native communities celebrate Christmas through music, artistic traditions, food items, and personal stories. The experiences are as diverse as the Native American cultures across the continent. As one Native individual from Prospect, North Carolina interviewed for this article responded when asked how they will spend Christmas: “It’s hard to predict what the day will be or what I will do on the Classic Christmas Holiday. I have no attachments and there is just no telling how or what the spirit will create for the day. But, know this, I will be smiling!”

How Christmas Is Celebrated Across Indian Country A unique look at how Native people spend their winter holiday season

for our full moon walk on December 26... A highlight of this experience is to witness and celebrate firsthand the beauty of December's full moon, as Native American communities have done for centuries. Our walk concludes at the newly restored 16th-century Algonkian village where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and stories will greet participants. The price of participation is $5 for IAIS Members and $10 for Non-Members. To register click here https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Inde


The Institute for American Indian Studies

If you enjoy our blogs, our countless programs highlighting Native American art, culture, and history, walking through our Indian Village, and the changing exhibitions in our galleries, please consider an end-of-the-year donation. We depend on the generosity of donors like you, so please give what you can https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/Donate

The Institute for American Indian Studies

..."In Chemehuevi, we have a word which is Ivankurur, which means “those that are all around us” – that we’re all connected not only to the rocks and the animals and the flora and the fauna but to each other and to those that came before us and to those that are coming in the future." Cara Romero, Chemehuevi Indian Tribe

Do you have a foodie on your list? If you do, head to our gift shop for something delicious, healthy, and, best of all - truly unusual... our Pemmican Bar! This is an item from an Ojibwe company that offers two types of deliciously spiced bars that include tender beef jerky, and scrumptious bison and pemmican, a term for dried meat that has been mixed with berries and herbs. One is mixed with blueberries and maple syrup and the other is with cherries chipotle and maple syrup... the choice is yours! Our advice, try both! We are open Wednesday - Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The aromatic evergreen trees and shrubs of the genus Juniperus consist of 76 varieties that grow in the Northern Hemisphere. Juniperus californica is a shrub or small tree that is native to America's southwest. Many Native American communities in that area found many interesting ways to use this evergreen medicinally. https://nativeamericanmuseum.blogspot.com/2023/12/medicinal-monday-juniperus-californica.html

As Indian Country Today and Underscore News report, Project Salmon Clause is an initiative that delivers gifts to children living in tribal fishing sites along the Columbia River. Officer Jerrod Daniel, an officer with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Police Department started this project in 2012 and it has grown to serve hundreds of families living at 31 “in-lieu” sites, which have been built since 1945 when dam construction began to have a major impact on treaty protected fishing sites. Many of these sites have amenities for fishing, but in many cases, Congress has not authorized funding for housing or electricity. Each year during Project Salmon Clause, Officer Daniel and his coworkers dress up as Santa Clause and bring gifts to families at these sites. According to Daniel, “One of the nice things about Salmon Claus is we are able to get out to families that might not be able to get out to the reservation or in town. We’ve made it possible for these families to stay at the sites and wait for us.”

Project Salmon Claus delivers Christmas along the Columbia River For over a decade, employees of the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission have brought gifts to families living at in-lieu fishing sites along the Columbia River.

If you are looking for unique stocking stuffer ideas, head to our giftshop... we offer so many unusual gifts found nowhere else perfect for that special someone on your list at a variety of price points. We have searched high and low for some of the best Native American-made arts, crafts, jewelry, food, books, and more... so drop in and be amazed! We are open Wednesday - Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Institute for American Indian Studies

This year in our giftshop we are excited to be offering jewelry and gift items from the Trickster Company, an innovative indigenous design company based out of Alaska. Don't you think these earrings would make the perfect gift for someone special on your list? We are open Wednesday - Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Institute for American Indian Studies

..."When I think of my work, I think about this legend about how the cedar tree taught the people to weave. And on the fourth effort, the basket maker was really making really good work. And then the tree said to look at the world around you. And to decorate this work with abstractions of the world around you. I think about that when I think about my work. I think about the world around me, what’s going on at this time, and the stories that we’re bringing forward." Joe Feddersen (Colville Confederated Tribes)

Just in,.. we are planning a winter break for kids on Thursday, December 28 and Friday, December 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on both days. The activities are planned for both indoors and outdoors on the grounds of the museum and will showcase the lifeways and lessons of local Native Americans. Each day the museum’s educational staff will offer an exciting roster of games, and craft projects. This two-day program is designed to teach children new skills and to ensure a smooth transition to going back to school. To sign up... https://iaismuseum.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/14302 or email [email protected] or call 860-868-0518.



The Institute for American Indian Studies

...White Spruce - White spruce is native to the northern parts of North America and Canada and is believed to be one of the first tree species to grow after the glaciers receded. Find out how Native Americans used this tree medicinally in our new blog https://nativeamericanmuseum.blogspot.com/2023/12/medicinal-monday-white-spruce.html

As this article from Native News Online explains, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) announced final revisions to the Native Americans Graves Protection and Repatriation Act this past week. Originally passed in 1990, NAGPRA has increasingly come under scrutiny by tribal communities for policies many consider to be loopholes and shortcomings. Indeed, since 1995, not even half of the more than 208,000 estimated human remains in museum collections have been returned, according to the government’s own database. The new rules help to close these loopholes and sets a strict five year deadline for museums and federally funded institutions to inventory and return their collections of Native American human remains and burial objects to present-day recognized tribal nations. Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians Chairman Mark Macarro is optimistic about the updates, stating, “It appears that the [updated] law has tilted the intent of NAGPRA to favor tribes, tribal expectations, [and] tribal cultural knowledge. It’s going to give us more efficacy.”

Federal Government Overhauls NAGPRA to Expedite Return of Native Ancestral Remains The federal government yesterday announced a major overhaul to a decades-old law that governs the return of Native American ancestral remains and artifacts to their tribal nations.

This weekend will be busy! It is the last weekend of our Holiday Market which offers a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience that celebrates Native American culture. What makes this Holiday Market unique is that it offers both deeply traditional crafts and more contemporary artistic expressions rooted in Native American cultural experience. Artists represented here are some of the finest working in the area today. It is a celebration of Native American diversity and inspiration. The market is free and open to the public On Saturday, Dec. 9, and Sun. Dec. 10th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. We are also offering a workshop where participants can create their own flat-stitched studded earrings or lapel pins. For information https://www.iaismuseum.org/event/flat-stitch-jewelry-workshop-with-irene-norman

The Institute for American Indian Studies

We're coming up on the last weekend of our annual holiday market! Don't miss your chance to support local and indigenous artists and vendors and shop for one-of-a-kind holiday gifts at this unique market. Here’s your opportunity to find that perfect gift, and learn about Native cultures. Our vendors will have handmade pottery, gourds, jewelry, artworks, flutes, apparel, beadwork, baskets and more! The museum’s Four Directions Gift Shop is also open and brimming with wonderful unique items, like food from Native-owned companies across the continent, books by Indigenous authors, and jewelry by Native artists from the Southwest and Alaska. Admission is free to the market and gift shop! You can also take a tour of the museum for a nominal fee. The market is open Saturdays and Sundays through December 10 from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call (860) 868 0518. Get ready, get set, get shopping!

..." In our creation story, the very first plant that was created was the sunflower to provide light. And since it could not provide enough light, eventually the sun became the source of our light here on Mother Earth. But initially, according to our creation story, our creator gave us the sunflower." Peter Jemison, Seneca Nation

One of the most cherished Holiday gifts is one made by hand. On Sunday, December 12 we are holding a flat-stitch jewelry workshop hosted by IAIS Educator Irene Norman (Mohawk) from 11 am to 4 pm. Participants will enjoy an afternoon of decorating their own flat-stitch studded earrings or lapel pins that will make a wonderful gift for someone special on your list. To pre-register https://www.iaismuseum.org/event/flat-stitch-jewelry-workshop-with-irene-norman