The North Carolina Museum of History’s beloved annual American Indian Heritage Celebration will take place this year at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences due to ongoing renovations. This engaging event honors Native American culture and the rich heritage of North Carolina’s American Indian communities, bringing together tribal members, artisans, performers, and historians for an immersive cultural experience.
Event Overview:
This family-friendly festival will offer visitors a rare chance to learn directly from tribal members about the history, artistry, and customs of North Carolina’s eight state-recognized tribes. The event will include a wide range of activities that highlight Native American contributions to the state’s history and present culture, making it ideal for families, educators, and anyone interested in Indigenous heritage.
Event Highlights for the 2023 American Indian Heritage Celebration
- Virtual Education Day
Date: Friday, Nov. 22
Time: Available all day
An online event welcoming students, teachers, and learners of all ages to a day of virtual presentations, storytelling, and a live drumming and dancing demonstration that celebrates the vibrant diversity of North Carolina’s American Indian community. - Grand Entry Procession
This breathtaking procession features tribal members in traditional regalia who perform ceremonial dances and songs to the powerful sounds of drums and flutes. The Grand Entry brings an air of reverence as the eight state-recognized tribes come together in Bicentennial Plaza. - Cultural Booths and Demonstrations
Engaging demonstrations throughout the museum allow visitors to meet Native artists, historians, and artisans. Learn about the significance of beadwork, pottery, and other crafts, while experts discuss how Indigenous traditions have shaped North Carolina’s history and modern culture. - Interactive Family Activities
Enjoy a range of hands-on activities suited for all ages, including traditional games like corncob darts and DIY craft stations where participants can explore American Indian artistic techniques and customs firsthand. - Native-Owned Food Trucks
Savor traditional Indigenous dishes like fry bread and other local specialties from Native-owned food trucks, bringing a delicious taste of authentic Native cuisine to the celebration. - Native Artisans and Vendors
Browse a wide selection of handcrafted items, including jewelry, pottery, textiles, and more from Native artisans. Each piece reflects the artistry and cultural legacy of North Carolina’s American Indian communities.
Event Details:
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, NC