by Gabriella Bonamici
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum is a majority Indigenous-led organization whose mission is to increase the visibility and elevate Native voices through education, advocacy, and awareness. Located along Evanston’s Central St., The Gichigamiin (formerly known as the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian), is our non-profit partner throughout the run of “The Antiquities” (on stage through June 1).
Whether you’re a first-time or frequent visitor, The Gichigamiin is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! Here’s a quick peek at some of the museum’s must-sees:
Take a Regional Tour
Take a tour through the museum’s ongoing exhibit, “The Regional Tour of American Indian Cultures,” which spans the Woodlands, the Plaines, the Four Corners of the Southwest, the Northwest Coast, and the Artic. The tour highlights traditional aspects of transportation, food, housing, clothing, and arts while also showcasing how American Indian communities adapted in order to maintain their way of life as much as possible in a post-colonial world.
Unlike many other museums, the Gichigamiin also includes “touch tables” alongside select displays. This hands-on approach to learning makes for a truly immersive experience that’s perfect for all ages.
Visit the Latest Installation
Check out The Gichigamiin’s new exhibit, “Living Stories: Contemporary Woodland Native American Art.” Living Stories highlights new works from Indigenous artists that explore the evolving relationship between traditional Woodland Native American art and its contemporary interpretations. Featured artists include Le’Ana Asher, whose paintings examine the intersections of history, identity, and resistance. Drawing inspiration from Indigenous culture and the ongoing fight for sovereignty, her new series challenges the illusions of American history and offers a fresh perspective on both past and present narratives. This exhibit runs through the end of the year.
Support Local Indigenous Artists
Shop, visit, and support the work of local Indigenous artists each month at the Indigenous Artists Pop-Up Market. This event coincides with the museum’s monthly Free Day, where the admission fee is waived on all exhibits. The next Free Day and Indigenous Artist Pop-Up Market takes place on Tuesday, June 24.
Learn About the Indigenous Gardening and Foodways Initiative
Take a walk through the beautiful Indigenous Medicine and Pollinator Garden, which will soon be expanded to include regional food crops, educational signage, and an outdoor traditional teaching lodge. The museum’s Indigenous Gardening and Foodways Initiative promotes traditional ecological knowledge and aims to revitalize Great Lakes Indigenous food systems. This new initiative also aims to offer healing to the Native community and bring people together through food production, cultivation, and shared meals while passing on cultural teachings.
The Gichigamiin – Goodman Partnership
As we close out the Owen season, The Goodman is proud to support The Gichigamiin by donating 10% of the proceeds from our specialty cocktail, “EXHIBIT 1921,” a hot honey bees knees. A special thanks to our Goodman Bar Manager Mitchell Shaw for this fun take on a classic cocktail, and for facilitating this partnership.
Gabriella Bonamici is the Marketing Assistant at Goodman Theatre.
