For generations, American history has tended to focus on the “View from the Boat”- the perspective of those who have arrived in the past 450 years. More recently, museums, historians, books and movies have begun to promote the “View from the Shore”- the perspective of the Native inhabitants who were already here, and their descendants […]
As we recognize the final weekend of Hispanic Heritage Month, join us in welcoming Dr. Mary Ann Mahony, Professor of Latin American History at CCSU, for an online presentation on the Taínos – the indigenous people of Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. In other words, the Taínos were the people who “met Columbus,” in the […]
International Archaeology Day Ongoing throughout the day, dig into the fun with IAIS Staff and uncover what makes archaeology such a fascinating field of study. Archaeology is the study of objects that people leave behind and helps those in the present figure out what life was like in societies and cultures of the past, participate […]
As we say good-bye to our temporary exhibit "Skug," about snake imagery in Native American communities throughout time, join us as we welcome Riverside Reptiles Education Center for a live snake presentation. In this Roving Reptiles Travelling Program, you'll come face-to-face with a Copperhead, meet a giant python that weighs close to 100 lbs, and […]
Martians, Atlanteans, and "Lost Tribes": Pseudo-archaeology and Its Impact on Native American Studies Pseudo-archaeology (also known as alternate, fringe, or cult archaeology) is a study that has drawn in not only professionals, but also the American public. Tying in concepts together such as aliens, giants, and Atlanteans with the most visible archaeological sites around the […]
Calvin Hunt is a Kwagu’l (Kwakwaka’wakw) artist living and working in his traditional homelands of Tsakis (Fort Rupert, British Columbia). His reputation for authenticity and artistic excellence spans the globe. Working mainly in totem poles, he also has a wide range of works of art that reflect the power of contemporary Kwakwaka’wakw art, ceremony and […]
Dawn Spears (Narragansett/Choctaw) is a contemporary artist who specializes in unique, free-hand original abstract designs. Dawn also serves as Executive Director of the Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance (NIAA) and has worked with numerous museums, cultural organizations, and tribal initiatives throughout the region. As a featured artist in our Virtual Holiday Market, join Dawn, along with […]
Sarah Sockbeson (Penobscot) is a basketmaker who has demonstrated and exhibited her work at various shows, museums and markets throughout the country. Sarah apprenticed with renowned basket maker Jennifer Neptune, who taught her the traditional way to gather, prepare, and weave ash splints into baskets. For each of her unique pieces, Sarah combines traditional materials […]
Vera Longtoe Sheehan (Elnu Abenaki) is an artist, educator, culture keeper and activist who has exhibited, lectured, and taught at museums and cultural institutions throughout the world, including at the Institute for American Indian Studies. She is the Director of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association, founder of the Abenaki Arts and Education Center, and member […]
Jeanne Kent was named Spozowialakws (Morningstar) by an Abenaki Elder many years ago. It means: "One who leads others out of the darkness into the light...a teacher." She is an Enrolled Member of the Nulhegan Band, Coosuk-Abenaki of Vermont.,and also descended from Nipissing, Montagnais, and Algonquin People from the Quebec area of Canada. Her father […]