As we come together to celebrate another holiday that often glosses over the true history of America, it is heartening to see positive changes being made. One such change is the renaming of Evanston’s Mitchell Museum to the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum.
The museum was originally founded by John M. Mitchell, a non-Native American who was inspired to start collecting Native American artifacts after receiving a rug as a middle school graduation gift. The collection eventually led to the opening of the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in 1977.
However, the museum recently underwent a rebranding, and as of November 21, it is now known as the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum. The new name reflects a shift in focus towards highlighting the Indigenous people of Chicago and the Great Lakes region, with a more specific and community-driven approach to the exhibits.
The museum’s director, Kim Vigue, who is Menominee and Oneida, emphasized the importance of representing the diverse Native American community in Chicago, which is home to approximately 65,000 Native Americans from about 150 different tribes. The museum aims to combat the erasure and invisibility of Native Americans by showcasing their contributions to society and highlighting the fact that Native people are very much alive and thriving.
One of the current exhibits at the Gichigamiin Museum focuses on the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2Spirits. This exhibit, titled “No Rest,” features original works by Indigenous artists and sheds light on the disproportionately high murder rate for Native women and girls.
In addition to hosting thought-provoking exhibits, the Gichigamiin Museum also provides a platform for Native American artists and entrepreneurs through events like the upcoming artists’ market. Furthermore, a new exhibit of contemporary Native American art, funded by the Terra Foundation, will be opening in January to further showcase the vibrant and evolving Native American culture.
Overall, the renaming of the museum and its renewed focus on the Indigenous communities of Chicago and the Great Lakes region mark a positive step towards greater representation and visibility for Native Americans in the cultural landscape of the city. The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum serves as a space where Native voices and stories can be heard and celebrated, challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions that often overshadow the rich and diverse heritage of Indigenous peoples.
