Visitors will experience a vibrant celebration of indigenous culture and tradition when Native American Days returns to Angel Mounds State Historic Site from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, Sept. 24-28.
The historic site’s longest running and most popular event, Native American Days will feature fine art, live performances, family-friendly activities, demonstrations, traditional food and more. Now in its 40th year, this marks the first time since 2019 that Native American Days will be open to the public.
The sounds of music, singing and dancing will fill the air, transforming the historic site with a festive atmosphere throughout the week-long event. Happening daily, the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi will lead the drum circle and visitors are encouraged to join in the dancing with the Iron Bear Singers. Additionally, children can make their own corn husk dolls and try their hand at archery.
A highlight of the festivities will be the fine arts show and sale from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, featuring the works of five federally recognized Native American artists from across the United States. Guests at this free event can enjoy hors d’oeuvres along with an exclusive first look at artworks available from William Harjo (Creek Tribe), Yonavea Hawkins (Caddo Nation), Nelson Garcia (Pueblo Tribe of New Mexico), Katrina Mitten (Miami Tribe of Oklahoma) and Karin Walkingstick (Cherokee Nation).
The vendor market will be open on Saturday and Sunday, offering attendees a chance to purchase the works of the five featured Native American artists along with a variety of other handcrafted items. Visitors can also sample delicious traditional foods like fry bread, Indian tacos, baked goods and more. Plus, families can interact with museum system experts and get up close with unique Native American artifacts that share stories of Indiana’s past.
During the week, the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association will share insights about traditional agricultural practices and companion planting techniques in the Three Sisters Garden.
Native American Days is also a perfect opportunity to see the newly transformed interpretive center, which highlights the complexities of the historic site and the special meaning this sacred place has for modern native descendants. Located on the banks of the Ohio River near Evansville, Angel Mounds is one of North America’s best-preserved pre-contact Native American sites. Through the interactive experiences in the center, guests can learn more about the people from the Mississippian culture who built the 11 earthen mounds throughout the 600-acre site and lived there from 1100-1450 A.D. Visitors can also discover the mounds’ cosmological connection and how they were created to align with certain celestial events, such as the summer and winter solstices.
Native American Days is free for members and included with admission to Angel Mounds State Historic Site. Admission is $13 for adults, $9 for youth (ages 3-17), and $11 for seniors. For more information and to purchase admission in advance, visit https://www.indianamuseum.org/event/native-american-days/.
