Performances and Activities FREE and Open to the Public
Join in the celebration of the art, dance, and music of American Indians from regions across the country. Explore a variety of longstanding artistic traditions while experiencing the thriving cultures of today.
Program is subject to change.
Programs
Live Music & Dance Performances
Grand Entry
10:15–11:15 am & 2:20–3:20 pm
Kirkwood Hall
Haskell Indian Nations University Veterans Color Guard at 10:15 a.m.
Diverse styles of Native American dance performed by students from Haskell Indian Nations University (Lawrence, Kansas), where more than 150 Native cultures are represented. Drum music by Little Soldiers Singers.
Children’s Intertribal Round Dance
12:15–12:30 pm
North Lawn by Plains Indian Tipi
(Rain location: Bloch Lobby)
Children and accompanying adults are invited to join in the dance with members of the Kansas City Indian Center.
Native American Dance
1-1:45 pm | Atkins Auditorium
Join us for Native American dance by the Royal Valley Dancers of Prairie Band Potawatomi from Mayetta, Kansas, accompanied by the drumming of Little Soldiers Singers.
Dance Performance, Storytelling & Flute Songs
11:45 am–12:15 pm & 3:30–4 pm
Atkins Auditorium
Enjoy Hoop and Fancy Shawl dances by Oke-tw’sha Roberts (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Stoney Nakoda from Morely, Canada).
Delight in Native American stories and music performed by the popular Lakota musician Ron Brave of Lawrence, Kansas.
Apache Crown Dance
11:15–11:35 am, 2–2:20 & 3:15–3:35 pm
Kirkwood Hall
Experience Joseph Tessay and The Cibecue Apache Crown Dancers of Arizona. The Dishchii’Bikoh Apache Group are White Mountain Apaches from the Fort Apache Indian Reservation (Cibecue, Arizona). They travel the United States performing traditional dances that stand for prayer and respect.
Regalia and Stories about Ceremonial Dress
12:30–12:50 & 1:30–1:50 pm
North Lawn by Plains Indian Tipi
(Rain Location: Bloch Lobby)
Lead dancers from Haskell Indian Nations University.
Ongoing Activities & Demonstrations
10 am–4 pm (except where noted)
Discussions with Docents & Museum Guides
Gallery 208, Nelson-Atkins Building
Learn about selected objects in the museum collection.
Art Activity
10 am–4 pm | Lens 2 Room
Hands-on art activity inspired by the art in the galleries.
Library Coloring Activity
1–4 pm
Spencer Art Reference Library
Discover a special book display to learn about American Indian Art, and color your own bookmark.
Plains Indian Tipi
10 am–4 pm | North Lawn
Visit the Plains Indian Tipi on the North Lawn of The Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park, painted by Gros Ventre artist Chandler Good Strike.
Meet and Greet, & Games
Participate in informal discussions about American Indian culture with staff and volunteers from Haskell Indian University Alumnae Association and the Kansas City Indian Center. Play American Indian games and view a book display from the Kansas City Indian Center collection.
Artist Beading
Gallery 208, Nelson-Atkins Building
1–4 pm
Watching Patricia Nelson of the Standing Rock Sioux demonstrate loom work and beading.
Food for Purchase
Rozzelle Court Restaurant
11 am–3 pm
Enjoy signature salads, sandwiches, breads, and desserts.
Desserts and beverages served until 4 pm.
Bloch Lobby
11 am–4 pm
Native American-inspired menu items for purchase.
