Anishinaabe Culture Days - FREE for School Groups

Learn first-hand about Native American regalia, dance and music, and immerse themselves in the rich history of local Native American cultures. Authentic dancing and drumming sessions leave a memorable impression and activities include traditional story-telling, demonstrations and interactive stations hosted by Native American Community organizations including pottery, basket and bowl making and corn husk dolls. Visitors can also experience the Museum’s exhibits, Anishinabek: The People of this Place. This exhibition highlights the Odawa, Potawatomi and Ojibwe people of West Michigan and provides an understanding of the Native American culture through rare artifacts and displays.

Anishinaabe Culture Days is free to participate in, thanks to funding from the City of Grand Rapids Neighborhood Match Funds. Reservations required through the group scheduling office to participate in activities.

Program Highlights Include:

First Floor Activities and presentations:

• Shirley Brauker, artist from Coldwater and member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians will showcase her pottery.
• John Pigeon, Pokagon Band Of Potawatomi tribal member and celebrated basket maker.
• James Day, Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan member will present a traditional Moccasin game.
• Jennifer Ives, member of Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, will host a culture and information table.

2nd Floor Activities

• Drumming and dancing: inside the Meijer Theater. Hunter Genia, member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian tribe will be the MC.
• Storytelling by Madeline Big Bear, member of the Pokagon Band Of Potawatomi: inside the Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium
• Pretty Rock and Maddy Big Bear, members of the Pokagon Band Of Potawatomi will demonstrate traditional corn husk doll
  making.

3rd Floor Activities

• Information booth presented by Eric Hemenway, Director of Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa
  Indians. Talking about Native American burials and remains being returned to the Anishinabek communities.
• Daniel Vallie, a descendant of Ojibwe and Mexica roots will showcase his mixed media artwork.
• Courtney Biggs, Cherokee descendant now living in West Michigan will showcase his wooden bowls.
• Information booth presented by the Native American education Program at Grand Rapids Public Schools including the importance
  of cultural traditions and language.
• Visit the Anishinabek: People of this Place exhibit to learn more about the history and culture of the first people.
• Visit the Grand Fish: Grand River to learn more about Lake Sturgeon and their importance to the Anishinabe people.