Timed entry now available; Virtual events will also continue
By Southwester Staff
On May 21, the National Museum of the American Indian reopened to in-person visitors. The new hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. New health and safety measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be observed including timed-entry passes, limiting attendance, social distancing, mandatory use of face coverings and enhanced cleaning. For more information about visiting the DC museum go to AmericanIndian.si.edu.
In addition, the museum is continuing its virtual program. The June schedule of virtual programming is below:
Flag Day Program: Honoring the American Flag through Native Art
June 14; on demand
americanindian.si.edu/online-programs
Objects decorated with American flag designs were incorporated into Native art in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Today, objects adorned with the flag usually signify that a family member has served in the military.
Watch Emil Her Many Horses (Oglala Lakota), museum curator and historian, as he walks participants through objects in the museum’s collection that were created to honor the American flag.
Youth in Action: Indigenizing Pride
Thursday, June 17; 4 p.m.
Free, registration required
How does identity influence activism? Many tribal nations have always recognized multiple genders and those who possess both male and female spirits. Native people who identify as more than one gender or possessing both spirits sometimes refer to themselves as Two Spirit. In celebration of Pride Month, hear from Indigenous youth working in the fields of education, health, cultural heritage and the arts to amplify Two Spirit and Native LGBTQ+ voices and issues.
At the Movies 2021: Monkey Beach
Sunday, June 27; 4 p.m.
americanindian.si.edu/online-programs
(Canada, 2020, 105 min.)
Director: Loretta Todd (Cree/Métis)
Based on the novel by award-winning author Eden Robinson (Haisla/Heiltsuk), Monkey Beach is a supernatural coming-of-age story that layers tragedy, humor and redemption. Lisa Hill (Grace Dove) reunites with her Haisla family in Kitamaat Village and realizes she is meant to save her brother (Joel Oulette) from a tragic fate she’s foreseen since childhood. Contending with mystical creatures, ghosts and spirits, this modern epic is a testament to Indigenous women’s abilities to not just endure trials but emerge from them empowered.
Conversation and live Q&A with director Loretta Todd and actress Grace Dove to follow. Q&A conducted via StreamYard with The Americas Film Festival New York (TAFFNY).
For mature audiences. Contains some scenes of violence, strong language and discussions of sexual violence. Program presented in cooperation with TAFFNY-Closing Night.