National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Oklahoma City
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Center Shawnee 40 minutes southeast of OKC
Through artwork, artifacts, unique programs and interactive exhibits, The Cowboy shares the history and culture of the West, including Native Nations and people. Diana Fields, chief program officer, describes the focus on cultural continuance as showcasing both traditional and pop cultures to demonstrate the forward movement of Indigenous cultures that are always adapting, changing and contributing to the world around them. A highlight for families, Liichokoshkomo’ encourages purposeful play in the museum’s 100,000-square-foot backyard. Explore life- size Indigenous dwellings, including a Kiowa Tipi, Puebloan Cliff Dwelling and Chickasaw Newly added to the museum’s Native American Gallery , artist Jake Tiger (Seminole) created a traditional Seminole outfit modeled from a painting of Seminole leader Osceola. In honor of Tiger’s work, during November, kid visitors can drop in to make bandolier bags with materials available. Also new in the gallery are various pieces of Star Wars-themed Indigenous art. Don’t miss the beaded Darth Vader mask! Council House. DON’T MISS
Beginning with Citizen Potawatomi oral traditions, the Cultural Center takes visitors on a journey through history, from the early ways of life, conflict and forced removals to settlements in Kansas and Oklahoma and finally to the Tribal Nation’s tenacity today in exercising sovereignty, expanding jobs and services and revitalizing tribal culture. In the Gete Neshnabek Zhechgéwen gallery , visitors can view a wigwam as well as four interactive displays about Potawatomi medicines, the four directions and traditional hand games. From the Tribal Nation’s first contact with Europeans, explore the history of conflict with colonizers and the U.S. government; the Potawatomi were signatories to more than 40 treaties, more than any other Tribal Nation. Throughout the center, kid visitors especially enjoy connecting with Citizen Potawatomi Nation history and culture through touchscreen games. DON’T MISS The Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary is home to injured eagles that cannot be returned to the wild. Eagles are an integral symbol of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation culture, revered as warriors and messengers. A visit to the Eagle Aviary to learn about the birds’ care and cultural significance from their caregivers is a sacred, once-in-a- lifetime experience! Tours are by advance appointments only. Visit potawatomiheritage. com/aviary to take a virtual tour and read about the resident eagles.
Opened in August 2022, Art of the Northwest Coast features prints, glass, sculptures and basketry contrasting with the Native artwork typically seen in Oklahoma. From painted totem poles to bentwood boxes, the intricate carvings, bright colors and stylistic elements communicate stories, teach family histories, describe divine creatures and showcase the wealth of community leaders. Fields says this exhibit, on display through May 1, 2023, gives visitors a better frame of reference for the diversity of Indigenous communities. MARK YOUR CALENDAR • Kids Take Over the Cowboy the first Saturday of each month; on Nov. 5 activities for Native Heritage Month will be provided from 10 a.m. to noon. Free for members or with museum admission. • Every second Sunday , visitors can learn details behind a unique artifact from the museum’s collection. On Nov. 13 at 1 p.m., listen as Tiger discusses his traditional Seminole outfit. Afterward, enjoy an informal drawing session at 2 p.m. in the Art of the Northwest Coast exhibit. Drawing materials provided. Both programs are free for members or with museum admission. • Cuddle up at home to enjoy Bedtime Buckaroos , virtual bedtime stories for kids read by local authors, community leaders or staff biweekly at nationalcowboymuseum.org. Listen live or watch back previous stories. November installments will feature books related to Native Heritage Month. ART OF THE NORTHWEST COAST AT THE NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM GIVES VISITORS A BETTER FRAME OF REFERENCE FOR THE DIVERSITY OF INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES.
VISIT THE CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION EAGLE AVIARY TO LEARN ABOUT THE BIRDS’ CARE AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE FROM THEIR CAREGIVERS. PHOTO BY GARETT FISBECK (POTAWATOMI). COURTESY OF CITIZEN POTAWATOMI NATION.
SEMINOLE REGALIA AT THE NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM INSPIRES NOVEMBER’S DROP-IN ACTIVITY FOR KIDS: MAKING BANDOLIER BAGS.
58 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / NOV-DEC 2022
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