INDIGENOUS ART & CULTURAL EVENTS IN THE DMV TO CATCH DURING #NATIVEAMERICANHERITAGEMONTH

Update (November 8, 2022)

The District of Columbia is experiencing a COVID-19 surge and the so-called U.S. has entered a rough flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season. For the safety of those in the region and n your home communities, please mask while indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces, wash and sanitize your hands often, and test regularly. You can get free COVID at-home tests at any DC library: coronavirus.dc.gov/testing

It’s Native American Heritage Month and with many folks coming in from out of town to what is locally known as “the DMV” (DC, Maryland, Virginia) to support the ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act), we wanted to share artistic and cultural events by and about Indigenous artists to check out while in town.

Click on the event link below to get all the information you need. Welcome to the DMV, relatives!

1. Protect ICWA – Gathering in support of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) that includes sign making, drumming, song and prayers in front of the Supreme Court, 1 First St NE, Washington, DC, November 9, from 9am-12pm.

2. “A Fragmented Exodus” – Show opening of Artist Jesse Raine Littlebird (Laguna Pueblo/Kewa Pueblo) and workshop. Exhibit opens on November 9 through December 10 at Eaton House.  

3. “My Life as an Avatar” – Presentation of Skawennati’s machinimas investigating history, future and change as an urban Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) woman and as a cyberpunk avatar. Virtual event on November 10.

4. Native Veterans Procession and Dedication Ceremony – The National Museum of the American Indian dedicates the National Native American Veterans Memorial on Veterans Day, followed by a weekend celebration.

5. The Halluci Nation – Indigenous Musical Duo perform from Electric Pow Wow style album FREE at the Millenium Stage at Kennedy Center on November 12.

6. Mumu Fresh Unplugged – Acoustic jazz show by critically acclaimed, award-winning Afro-Indigenous musician at Keystone Korner on November 18.

7. Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival – 6th annual film festival featuring a lineup of 20+ films by and about Native people at Leslie Cheek Theater in Richmond, Virginia, from November 18-20.

8. “In the Court of the Conquerer”– Performance Art by George Emilio Sanchez’s reflecting on personal Indigenous Ecuadorian identity at The Alden at McLean Community Center on November 19.

9. Piscataway Nation Singers and Dancers – Locally Indigenous Singers & Dancers present an educational and entertaining show for Native American Heritage Day at the Carroll Arts Center on November 26.

10.  Native American Heritage Day – Carroll County Arts Council celebrates Native American Heritage Day. Lecture, documentary screening, dance, drum & song at the Carroll Arts Center on November 26.