Finding Your Bearings at IAIS: Orienteering Workshop

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Sunday, October 15 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Throughout time, humans have used different techniques to navigate their surroundings and find a sense of place. These are still useful skills in case your GPS loses its signal!  Join IAIS Educator and Ecologist Susan Scherf for an interactive workshop in which participants will learn various methods […]

Orange Shirt Day: Documentary Screening and Empty Shoe Display

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Saturday, September 30 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Orange Shirt Day is observed on September 30 in Indigenous communities throughout North America. This annual event commemorates the residential school experience in Indigenous communities, and serves as a reminder to commit to the ongoing process of reconciliation. This year, join IAIS staff for a screening and […]

Natural Fiber Finger Weaving Basket Workshop with Eva Newell

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Saturday, September 23 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM As a follow up to the sold out finger weaving basket workshop in June, we are once again pleased to host artist and educator Eva Newell (Member of Pokanoket Tribe, Pokanoket Nation; Cape Sable Island Wampanoag, Nauset and Cree descent). In this workshop, participants will construct a […]

Walking With Both Eyes Open: Scientific and Indigenous Knowledge at IAIS

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Saturday, September 9 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Etuaptmumk is a Mi'kmaw saying that translates to "Two-Eyed Seeing." As attributed to Mi'kmaw Elder Albert Marshall, this concept refers to learning from one eye the strengths of Indigenous knowledge, and from the other eye the strengths of "Western" scientific knowledge. As part of the annual Housatonic […]

Let’s Get Fired Up! Traditional Pottery Workshop

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

August 19 & 20  1:00 - 4:00pm each day Join a three-day workshop in which participants will be guided through the construction and pit-firing of their own clay vessel. Learn about elements of traditional pottery, including clay sourcing, temper, building methods, surface treatment, decoration and firing. Along the way, participants will learn about types of […]

Rooted in Tradition: Guided Plants’ Walk with Jesse Rose Komaromi

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Saturday, August 12 11:00am In many traditional Indigenous worldviews, plants are considered to be our relatives, elders, and teachers. Join Jesse Rose Komaromi, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, to embark on a guided journey of reclaiming relationships with the natural world through an Indigenous perspective. Embrace the wisdom of Nature as you immerse yourself in the woodland […]

June Virtual Book Club – Jonny Appleseed

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Wednesday, June 28 7pm Virtual Event Looking to expand your reading list and discuss a variety of issues and topics important to Native people? If so, please join our virtual book club, As They Speak: Native Voices in Today’s Literature. Based on a variety of topics and featuring a range of genres, all of the […]

Coil Basket Workshop with Eva Newell

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Saturday, June 24 1:00pm In-Person Event Coiling is a basketry technique practiced in Native American communities across the continent, with traditional patterns, materials, and construction style varying by region. Join artist and educator Eva Newell (Member of Pokanoket Tribe, Pokanoket Nation; Cape Sable Island Wampanoag, Nauset and Cree descent) for a beginner’s workshop in which […]

Rooted in Tradition: Giving Thanks To the Strawberry

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Saturday, June 17 1:00pm - 3pm In-Person Event When wild strawberries ripen, they represent life and good health. As the first local berry to ripen, they also herald the arrival of summer. Participate in family-friendly educational activities related to the gifts of this fruit, which holds significance to many Native American communities.Enjoy some strawberry refreshments […]

CT Open House Day

The Institute for American Indian Studies 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT, United States

Saturday, June 10 11:00am - 4pm In-Person Event Visit the Institute for American Indian Studies to learn about the more than 12,000-year history of Connecticut’s Native American inhabitants. Museum educators and docents will be offering introductory tours of the museum and replicated Algonkian village. Want a deeper dive? Test out your understanding of local Native […]