Sharing Our Wisdom, Values and Diverse Cultures
December 2-9, 2023

The Association’s vision is to create a world where diverse Native cultures and values are lived, protected and respected. Tribal Museums Day brings attention to our diverse Nations and cultures, stimulates tourism and grows Tribal economies. Tribal Museums Day also supported the vision and mission of each Tribal Museum by re-educating the public that our Nations are the primary experts of Indigenous histories, knowledge, cultures, lifeways and values.  

In celebration of the Association on American Indian Affairs’ 100th anniversary, the Association created the first annual Tribal Museums Day on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

LIVE Online Kick off Celebration
2 to 3:30 p.m. CT, Saturday, December 2

This live event will be hosted from Hoċokata Ṫi, the Museum and Cultural Center of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and emceed by Shannon Martin, Match-E-B-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians. Tune in to the Association’s YouTube channel or Facebook page to watch live interviews with wisdom keepers from Tribal Museums and Cultural Centers across Native Country. 

Tribal Museums Map

​For your convenience, we have created an easy to use map and listing with website links for Tribal Museums and Cultural Centers in the United States. 

​​All Are Welcome!

​Check out a Tribal Museum or Cultural Center near you and you may enjoy: 
  • FREE Admission
  • Special Exhibits  
  • Gift Shop Discounts (consider holiday gift giving!) 
  • Art Markets  
  • Live Cultural Demonstrations
Tips for Visiting a Tribal Museum
  • You do not need to be a Native American to visit. ALL are welcome.
  • Engage with the experts. Ask questions!
  • Research hours, parking and more by visiting the museum’s website or calling in advance.
  • If you can, donate to the museum or purchase items from Indigenous creators in the gift shop.
​If you are unable to visit a Tribal Museum or Cultural Center near you, please visit the websites and social media pages of the museums listed and consider donating or purchasing a membership if you are able. You are also invited to watch our live streaming event or find it posted on YouTube after the event.
Resolution
​The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) passed this Resolution "Commending Tribal Museums as the Purveyor of Appropriate Education About Diverse Native American Histories, Cultures and Lifeways, and Calling on the United States Congress and Executive Agencies to Support Tribal Capacity"
Official Press Release 
​Announcing the second national Tribal Museums Day. 
For Tribal Museums, Cultural Centers and Partners
If you would like to learn more about how Tribal Museum or Cultural Center can participate, please click the learn more icon.​
2022 Recorded Streaming Event
As part of our 100-year anniversary, the Association hosted a live streaming event on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 2 p.m. ET on our social media from multiple Tribal Museums to celebrate Tribal Museums Day. The live streaming event was emceed by Shannon Martin, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, an included many wisdom keepers from Indian Country. 

You can watch on our YouTube channel or Facebook!​

Supported By


“Tribal museums and Cultural Centers are critical to Native communities as these are the places where they can tell their own histories, share their contemporary experiences, and increase public awareness,” said Cynthia Chavez Lamar, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. “We value the partnerships we have with Tribal Museums and Cultural Centers, and we encourage everyone to visit, support, and celebrate these important cultural institutions.” 

Event Partners

Thank you to our event partners!