Timely Documentary ‘Pilgrims and Tourists’ on March 26
The Museum is looking forward to hosting award-winning filmmaker (producer and director) Toby Macleod to screen one of his films from the series “Standing on Sacred Ground” and discuss it with the audience. The one-hour film begins in the Russian republic of Altai where the Indigenous people are fighting to rein in tourism and resist a pipeline that would carry Russian oil through their World Heritage Site to China. In the second half in Northern California we meet the Winnemem Wintu people celebrating age-old practices while strongly opposing plans to raise Shasta Dam, which would submerge many of their sites. Chief Caleen Sisk, whose voice of protest is very strong in the film, is an invited guest and may join us.
The screening is on Thursday, March 26, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Margaret Todd Senior Center at 1560 Hill Road in Novato. We are asking for donations of $10 to $20 for adults and young people over 15 years-old.
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Learning to Make Cordage from Dogbane
On Saturday February 29th Edward Willie joined us at the MAI to share his knowledge about Apocynum cannabinum, commonly known as dogbane. Willie spoke about the use of this plant by Indigenous tribes all over North America, including in our own Bay Area. He shared examples of items he has made using dogbane cordage such as an eagle feather skirt and shell necklace which are both on permanent display at the museum. Other examples of fiber-making materials were shown as well, such as native milkweed and stinging nettle. Attendees who stayed after Edward’s talk were able to make their own dogbane cordage. They scraped, cracked, removed the inner pith and worked the fibers of the plant to finally twist the fibers into thread. Some students joined in as a group to make multi-ply rope by working in unison. The day was a great experience, a valuable and overlooked skill that few people know. Thank you, Edward.
Please keep an eye out on our social media for upcoming classes!
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Into the Spring Garden
March is a very active month at the Museum. We will be celebrating the arrival of spring with family-oriented event of gardening techniques, music with Indigenous musical instruments, and story-telling by Alicia M. Retes. It’s on Saturday, March 21, from 11am to 1pm. Please see the Spring Flyer for more details.
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MAI: Summer Field Trip Destination
The educational programming at MAI continues year round and into the summer! We have fun and educational programs for summer camps, year-round schools, homeschool groups and private tour groups. Our Education Director Alicia M. Retes and her assistant Betsy Magladry are teaching expanded programs June through August. Our summer classes explore the landscape of Miwok Park, and groups will be engaged in activities such as animal tracking, storytelling, American Indian games, pump drilling, cordage making, plant identification, medicine making, and more. If your group would like to join us for some summer fun at the museum or if you have any questions, please contact Alicia at education@marinindian.com or (415) 897-4064, and see the Summer Flyer.
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New Ways to Stay in Touch with MAI
The Museum has new Facebook and Instagram accounts. Please click on the links below and follow us to stay current on all the great events coming up.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarinAmericanIndianMuseum/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maiinmarin/
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Our Mission
Through the creation of this museum and education center 50 years ago, the Museum of the American Indian continues to serve the general community with our ongoing efforts to collect, conserve, research, exhibit and explain cultural and ethnographic materials, as well as other information related to Native American peoples.
The Museum offers programs for elementary schools that explore the history and culture of Native Americans of California and other regions of the country. These programs fulfill the State of California curriculum for social studies. The Museum promotes accuracy, sensitivity, and respect for the heritage and history of our continent’s earliest inhabitants.
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Donate Today
Donate today to assist MAI. Join it's mission to preserve the history and culture of American Indians through exhibits and through ongoing educational programs. Your generosity is appreciated and will have a direct and lasting impact on the future of the Museum. Thank you for your support!
The Museum is open to the public Friday through Sunday 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Tours by appointment are available Tuesday through Friday. To schedule your tour, please phone 415-897-4064.
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Volunteer Today ~ Get Involved!
Opportunities are available now. Please contact us today to volunteer:
415-897-4064 | Office@MarinIndian.com
Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to, gallery docent and gift shop sales, preparing craft materials for school groups, general office activities and publicity mailings. You will gain a new appreciation for Native American culture and support an organization that is a thriving part of the community. Come and join our team of Museum staff and supporters! We'd love to share this wonderful cultural resource with you. The Museum of the American Indian is located at 2200 Novato Blvd in Novato.
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