DC | Women's History Month: Native Women Leading the Way

Spend the day celebrating the strength, creativity, and leadership of Native women through vibrant performances, meaningful conversations, and family-friendly activities throughout the museum. From Haudenosaunee traditional dance to hands-on artmaking and powerful stories of resilience, this program invites visitors of all ages to experience how Native women have led—and continue to—lead the way.

SCHEDULE

Level 1, Potomac Atrium                          

• 11 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:45 PM | Haudenosaunee Cultural Experience
• • Join Michelle Schenandoah (Oneida), founder of the nonprofit Rematriation, and the Schenandoah Family Dancers as they share the living traditions of their family and their dedication to protecting and passing forward cultural knowledge. At the heart of this work is a recognition of the enduring physical, emotional, cultural, and political strength of Haudenosaunee women. Grounded in the principle of “returning the Sacred to the Mother,” Michelle’s work in rematriation calls us to move beyond returning objects alone—it invites uplifting of matrilineal systems, the continuation of traditional knowledge, and focusing our attention on our relationships with Mother Earth. Come and engage in a celebration of dance, music, and media. Learn about Haudenosaunee women's influence in U.S. democracy and women's suffrage.
• 11 AM-4 PM | Native Knowledge 360°: Native Women Leading the Way
• • Learn more about the many free resources available through the museum's education initiative, Native Knowledge 360° (NK360°), such as a teaching poster on "Native Women Leading the Way: From Revolution to the Future." This poster highlights three Native women whose actions were historically significant during the American Revolution. Supplies will be limited, grab a copy while they last. 

Level 1, imagiNATIONS Activity Center

• 11 AM-1 PM and 2-4 PM | imagiNATIONS Creations: Haudenosaunee Corn Husk Dolls 
• • Learn about the longstanding tradition of corn husk doll making within Haudenosaunee (Mohawk, Oneida, Tuscarora, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca nations) cultures. Museum Educators will share the cultural importance of corn and how it is used to convey stories, values, and traditions. Then, with guided instruction create your own corn husk doll to take home.

Outdoors, Welcome Plaza

• 1 PM | Native Women Veterans Talk
• • Join museum specialist Rachelle B. Pablo (Diné) at the National Native American Veterans Memorial to learn about the enduring legacy of Indigenous military service. Generations of Native American women have served in the armed forces of the United States—often in extraordinary numbers—learn some of their names and stories to honor their service. 

During your visit, you can find more examples of Native women leading the way on view in our galleries, from the special installation Making a Statement (Level 3), to InSight: Photos and Stories from the Archives (Level 2).

Image: "Winyan Wánakikśin" (Women Defenders of Others) buffalo horn belt, 2018. Made by Kevin Pourier (Oglala Lakota, b. 1958) and Valerie Pourier (Oglala Lakota, b. 1959). Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota. 27/215.