### Celebrating Native American Heritage in Bentonville
Bentonville, Arkansas is stepping up its efforts to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring the rich histories, cultures, contributions, and achievements of Native Americans.
#### Museum of Native American History
The Museum of Native American History (MONAH) is at the forefront of this celebration. Located in Bentonville, this non-profit museum is a significant destination for those interested in Native American history and culture. Founded in 2006 by David Bogle, a registered member of the Cherokee Nation, the museum is dedicated to providing a place where visitors can experience the diverse Indigenous cultures of the Americas through pre-historic and historic art.
The museum features over 10,000 artifacts spanning 24,000 years of history, covering five time periods: Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, Mississippian, and Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Visitors can explore galleries set chronologically, allowing them to better understand the lifestyle, hardships, successes, and inspirations of Native Americans. The museum also offers a scavenger hunt and a free arrowhead hunt for children, making it an educational and engaging experience for all ages.
#### Events and Celebrations
MONAH has been hosting annual Native American Cultural Celebrations, which have become a significant draw for the community. These events typically include concerts, workshops, speakers, and film screenings. The Fall 2021 celebration drew over 20,000 visitors online and in person, while the 2022 event marked the first hybrid celebration, attracting both online and in-person attendees.
In addition to these cultural celebrations, the museum offers event space for private events such as weddings and corporate gatherings. It also provides an expansive event calendar that includes school group visits and field trips, ensuring that every visitor has a memorable experience.
#### Regional Celebration
Bentonville’s efforts to celebrate Native American Heritage extend beyond the museum. The city is also home to various educational and community-driven initiatives aimed at promoting Indigenous cultures and histories. These initiatives include exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that cater to a diverse audience, providing a holistic understanding of Native American experiences.
#### Book Club and Community Engagement
To engage the community further, various organizations in Bentonville are hosting book clubs and other events. The PNW campus, for example, has organized a book club around the best-selling novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley. This event promotes literary understanding and includes presentations on Chicano culture and music performances by Native American musicians.
### Celebrating Traditions
Bentonville’s celebration of Native American Heritage Month emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation and awareness. The region’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated through interactive exhibits, diverse events, and community engagement initiatives. By showcasing the past while honoring the present, the area provides a unique experience for visitors from all walks of life. As the city continues to grow, its commitment to preserving Native American traditions remains strong.
#### Events Calendar
– **PNW Celebrates NAHM**: PNW is organizing a series of events celebrating Native American Heritage Month, including book clubs, presentations, and cultural performances.
– **Book Club: Firekeeper’s Daughter**: A book club on the best-selling novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter” by Angeline Boulley.
– **Angelica Carrington Presentation on Chicano Culture**: A presentation on Chicano culture for staff professional development.
– **Native American Musician: Ramiro Ramírez Duarte**: A music performance by Ramiro Ramírez Duarte.
– **DIY Dream Catchers**: A craft workshop where attendees can make their own dream catchers.
– **Hoop Dancer: Scott Sixkiller Sinquah**: A hoop dancing performance by Scott Sixkiller Sinquah.
The diverse array of events and attractions in Bentonville makes it an ideal destination for those interested in celebrating Native American Heritage Month. By engaging with local communities and promoting cultural awareness, the city continues to provide a unique educational and cultural experience for all its visitors.
