Native American Heritage Month

Each November, celebrate Native American Heritage Month with the Field Museum.

November is Native American Heritage Month. Join us in celebrating the diversity of values, traditions, and languages that make up the rich cultures of Native American communities this month and all year long.

Events and programming

We commemorate Native American Heritage Month both at the museum and from home, with in-person and online programming. Staff members and guest speakers share presentations about the objects and issues at the heart of Native histories and contemporary experiences.

Welcome Ceremony, Wednesday, November 1

1:15-1:45pm; North East Terrace (Stanley Field Hall in case of inclement weather)

  • Dave Spencer (Mississippi Chata/Dine) welcomes Native American Heritage Month with a cultural song and dance, followed by the Oka Homma Singers and Native dance performers.

Native American Heritage Month Celebration, Friday, November 10

11am-1:00pm; Stanley Field Hall

Visitors can join the celebration featuring Native American cultural performances and a food tasting. Highlights include:

  • Waterbird Dancers perform Native American song and dance featuring the traditional Hoop Dance in Stanley Field Hall.  
  • Special tasting menu by Chef Walks First (Menominee) and Ketapanen Kitchen is offered free for guests. *First come, First served basis until supplies run out*

Rock Your Mocs

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month and tribal individuality by wearing your moccasins wherever you are. Share a photo on social media with the hashtag #rockyourmocs .

Rock Your Mocs is a worldwide social media event taking place this year from November 12-18.

Armour Research Seminar Series

Our weekly seminar series features speakers and their research related to the study of natural history and culture.

Story Time with the Chicago Public Library

Join us in the Field Museum’s Crown Family PlayLab for a story time for preschoolers!

Select Learning Resources

  • Our Voices, Our Stories

    Listen to Native artists answer the question: Why is it important for us to tell our stories?

  • Native Truths: Come Alive By Nicole Emmons

    Watch the unique animation created for and about the Field Museum's Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories exhibit by animator Nicole Emmons.

  • The Great Bear Hunt, narrated by Karen Ann Hoffman

    Storyteller Karen Ann Hoffman, Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, tells the story of the Great Bear Hunt as she knows the tradition.

Shop online

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month with special merchandise, books, and toys. All purchases help support the Field’s work and Native-owned artists and companies.