Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in Madison

November is National Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to honor and recognize the rich traditions, history and contributions of Native communities across the country. Here are some meaningful ways you can celebrate and engage with National Native American Heritage Month right here in Madison.

Learn about Indigenous history and the First Nations of Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to 12 Indigenous tribes, including the Ho-Chunk, who call Madison home. Learning about the history and culture of these First Nations fosters a deeper appreciation for their contributions. You can find information on Indigenous history and culture on the Wisconsin Historical Society’s website or explore the Wisconsin First Nations and Ho-Chunk Nation websites for upcoming events and additional resources.

Support Native makers and small businesses

Checking out local and regional Indigenous small businesses is a great way to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. You can find many Indigenous businesses throughout Wisconsin on Travel Wisconsin’s website. Shop online or support these businesses and products locally. Here are a few examples. 

Blue Bear Studio was opened by Christoper Sweet in 2021 as his creative space, a gallery to share his artwork and a gift shop with a variety of offerings. He offers beautiful original paintings, prints, notecards, tote bags and other quality items at various price points. Sweet’s show “Healing Journeys: Heritage and Resistance” was featured in Overture’s Winter Exhibition during our 2022/23 season.  

Firefly Ceramic Art is run by MicahMarie McCann. Her handmade ceramics are hand glazed with original textures and designs, making her products unique and functional. 

Copper Crow Distillery is proud to be the first Indigenous distiller in North America, crafting 10 award-winning spirits at their distillery in Bayfield, Wis. If you’re not up for a road trip, you can try their spirits in Madison at A Pig in a Fur Coat.  

Little Eagle Arts Foundation (LEAF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting American Indian art by cultivating the entrepreneurial spirit of American Indian/First Nations artists in order to achieve success and promote a cycle of economic security. 

Read or watch Indigenous stories

Diving into stories by Indigenous authors offers valuable perspectives and deepens your understanding of Native experiences. Madison's libraries and local bookstores often feature collections by celebrated Native writers. Reading their works provides a powerful connection to Indigenous storytelling traditions, history and contemporary themes. Madison Library also has Native American and Indigenous Book Lists for adults, children and teens. 

Films are another wonderful way to experience Native stories. A perfect example is “Bad River,” a documentary film chronicling the Wisconsin-based Bad River Band and its ongoing fight for sovereignty. The story unfolds in a groundbreaking way through a series of shocking revelations, devastating losses and a powerful legacy of defiance and resilience, which includes a David vs. Goliath battle to save Lake Superior, the largest freshwater resource in America. The film is now streaming on Peacock, or you can find local screening events on the “Bad River” website.  

Miceala Salas, tribal liaison with Madison College, worked closely with Overture’s Equity & Innovation, Event and Production teams to bring the “Bad River” documentary film to Overture Center this past spring. Learn more about Overture’s “Bad River” screening event here.  

Take in Native art

Art is an essential part of Native heritage, embodying stories, traditions and expressions of identity. Madison is fortunate to have various exhibits and installations highlighting the works of Indigenous artists year-round. Plan a visit to museums and galleries that host Native art exhibits, such as “A Story of Resilience” hosted by Madison College’s Division of Climate and Culture. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, highlights 26 outstanding Native American artists from Wisconsin.  

This year's theme of resiliency aims to delve into and exhibit the rich cultural stories and enduring spirit of 12 Tribal Nations. The featured exhibit piece is "Reflections of Healing" by contemporary Native American artist Christopher Sweet (Blue Bear Studio). The acrylic painting featured below was inspired by the disproportionate impact of COVID on minorities, particularly on Native American Communities. Sweet was also inspired by the work of photographer Eugene Tapahe, who launched “Art Heals: The Jingle Dress Project.” The exhibit is on display now through December 6.

At Overture Center, we will continue to celebrate the rich traditions, heritage and culture that thrived long before our arrival. These activities are just a few ways to celebrate National Native American Heritage Month and show respect for the Indigenous people who have called this region home for generations. We hope you take time this month and all year long, to connect, learn and appreciate the vibrant heritage that enriches Madison and Wisconsin’s cultural landscape.  

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