MINORITY MUSEUMS Part I - Native Americans by Mary Haegele

The Navajo nation has the largest amount of reserve land in the United States. At the Dine College on the 3rd and 4th floor is the Ned Hatathli Museum. What is so unique about this museum is that all ceremonial artifacts are not displayed to the public because they are loaned to the local actual medicine men for ceremonies. The museum was established in 1976 and to date has acquired either by purchasing or by donation, over three thousand artifacts. The museum is respectful of the elder system and tries to instill in those who are not Navajo, a respect for the way of life of these people. The museum is in Tsaile, Arizona.

The Indian Center Museum in Wichita, Kansas, stands as an example of what museums should be like in relation to natives. Half of the area in the museum is devoted to displays of artifacts. The rest is divided between a small research library and a permanent display of famous plains artists. A garden area is dedicated to artists from the area and the website sells art works.

Truly, the respectful way to go with museums about natives is in collaboration with native groups - what do they want portrayed; what part of their history is the most important to them. More and more these voices are being listened to by non native museum boards if for no other reason than authenticity in their displays. And more and more, the museum does not stand alone but as part of a native cultural complex that preserves the past and encourages the future development of native peoples.

In August we will be looking at museums by and about women. Some of them just might surprise you!

Go To Page: 1 2