News Summary
Grand Rapids will honor Indigenous culture with a week of engaging events hosted by the Grand Rapids Public Museum in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Activities include Anishinaabe Culture Day featuring traditional performances, storytelling, and hands-on workshops, as well as an Anishinaabe film series showcasing Indigenous narratives. The museum’s exhibition updates will further enrich the experience, promoting a deeper understanding of Native American cultures. The celebration encourages community participation and provides opportunities to connect with authentic Indigenous art and traditions.
Grand Rapids is set to honor Indigenous culture through a week of festivities organized by the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day on October 13. The events are designed to educate visitors about Native American cultures and traditions, with immersive activities scheduled throughout the week.
The celebration will commence on October 15 with Anishinaabe Culture Day, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This engaging event aims to attract school groups and provide a unique opportunity to explore Anishinabek traditions, arts, and history. Attendees can look forward to traditional dance and drumming performances, storytelling sessions, and hands-on experiences such as pottery, basket weaving, and corn husk doll-making, facilitated by members of the Native American community. A scavenger hunt throughout the museum will further enhance the learning experience by allowing participants to discover more about Anishinaabe history and culture in an interactive format.
Alongside Anishinaabe Culture Day, the museum will host an Anishinaabe film series on October 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This series aims to shine a light on Indigenous narratives through film, featuring local artists and filmmakers who will share insights into Anishinaabe culture. Attendees can participate in films, panel discussions, and Q&A sessions that cover themes such as language, wild rice cultivation, sturgeon, and various forms of art. Admission to the film series is available for $2, and attendees can drop in at their convenience during the event.
The Grand Rapids Public Museum is currently updating its exhibition, Anishinabek: The People of this Place, which presents numerous opportunities to engage with Anishinaabe stories. The exhibit features three new murals created by Anishinaabek artists that depict the creation story, modern Anishinabek life, and the seven grandfather teachings. Additionally, a large-scale projection map located on the third floor illustrates early trails that transformed into modern highways, the impact of deforestation, tribal headquarters locations, and historical tribal territories, further enriching visitor experiences.
In addition to the scheduled events, the museum’s Curiosity Shop will showcase a variety of art including jewelry, baskets, books, and other items crafted by Native artists and writers. This initiative supports Indigenous creators and provides visitors with the chance to connect with authentic Indigenous goods.
Katrina Furman, the Anishinaabe curator for the museum, highlighted the importance of sharing Indigenous traditions through methods such as food, art, language, and cultural teachings. It is fundamentally important for the Native community to celebrate their heritage, reinforcing that for them, every day is Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
The overall objective of the week’s events is to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of Native American cultures through hands-on learning experiences that are both educational and engaging. The GRPM encourages everyone, especially students, to actively participate in an enriching exploration of Anishinaabe culture. Tickets for events can be purchased online, facilitating easier access for interested visitors.
As Indigenous Peoples’ Day approaches, the Grand Rapids Public Museum stands out as a community hub for cultural recognition and education, fostering connections between the past and the present for all its visitors.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Grand Rapids Celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day with Special Events
Additional Resources
- MLive: Educational Programs Celebrate Anishinaabe Culture
- Wikipedia: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- WZZM13: Anishinaabe Culture Day
- Google Search: Anishinaabe culture
- Grand Rapids MN: Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- Google Scholar: Indigenous heritage
- MLive: March for Missing Murdered Indigenous People
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Native American
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
