Catch the excitement of the 13th Annual American Indian Heritage Celebration, the year’s largest event at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh. On Saturday, Nov. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 100 musicians, dancers, artists, storytellers and authors from North Carolina’s state-recognized tribes will gather for this popular family event so large that it spills outside onto Bicentennial Plaza and the State Capitol grounds.* With something for all ages, the celebration is a firsthand opportunity to learn about the state’s Indian culture, past and present. The day’s activities include performances, craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, food and much more. Admission and parking are free.
During the Call of Nations at noon, see dancers in colorful regalia move to the rhythm of drum groups. Throughout the day, watch a dugout canoe take shape, or talk with artisans at work, such as James Malcolm, a Lumbee tribe member who creates pinecone patchwork designs. Other artists will carve gourds and stone, make beautiful beadwork, weave pine-needle baskets, and more. See early hunting and fishing tools and learn about traditional foods from members of the Occaneechi-Saponi tribe.
Hands-on crafts, traditional games and workshops provide interactive experiences galore. You can make a dream catcher, learn how to fingerweave, play a game of chunkey, grind corn, or sign up for a beadmaking workshop, among other things. Hear storytellers from the Eastern Band of the Cherokee and the Lumbee tribes share legends and contemporary tales, or take advantage of workshops and films that explore topics such as Indian schools, powwow music, and herbal remedies.
Stay for lunch. Vendors will sell foods that include frybread, sweet potato fries, Sappony salsa, Indian tacos, buffalo burgers and buffalo burritos. Make a day of this event that is the perfect way to celebrate American Indian Heritage Month. For a complete schedule or more information, go to ncmuseumofhistory.org or call 919-807-7900.
The American Indian Heritage Celebration is supported by the N.C. Commission of Indian Affairs; the N.C. Museum of History Associates; and the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, with funds from the United Arts campaign and the N.C. Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts.
* The eight state-recognized tribes are Coharie, Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, Sappony, and Waccamaw-Siouan.
The N.C. Museum of History’s hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources. The department’s Web site is www.ncculture.com