As a public health precaution, the museums in Washington, DC, and New York, NY, are temporarily closed.
There is no public access to the National Native American Veterans Memorial in the days surrounding Inauguration Day, January 20.
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Native Knowledge 360° Education Initiative
Transforming teaching and learning
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In the Spotlight
The winter months are often a time for storytelling in many Native communities. Watch these short animated traditional stories that give special meaning to the stars above. Visit the NMAI YouTube channel to view even more Star Stories. Recommended for ages 7+.
Fox and Star
This animation tells the Chippewa (Ojibwe) story describing how a man's pet fox scattered the stars across the sky.
The Younger Sister
This animation tells the Cree story of two sisters and shows that impulsive choices can lead to surprising results.
Quillwork Girl and Her New Seven Brothers
This animation tells a Cheyenne story of how the Big Dipper came to be when a girl and her loyal brothers escape from a bison.
Featured Teacher and Student Webinars
side by side image of NMAI in Washington, DC and NMAI in New York, NY buildings
New EdX course from NK360°!
Enroll in this FREE course through Smithsonian X(EdX). Explore the impact of problematic narratives of Native Americans on U.S. society and education.
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Explore NK360° Educational Resources
Native American soldier in military uniform crouching down holding his weapon
Native Words, Native Warriors
Explore the lives and experiences of Native American service members who used their traditional tribal languages to transmit secret messages for the US military during World War I and World War II.
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illustration of New York harbor during 17-18th century
Early Encounters in Native New York: Did Native People Really Sell Manhattan?
illustration of Congress signing legislation
American Indian Removal: What Does It Mean to Remove a People?
Sunset on desert landscape
The Navajo Treaty of 1868: Why Was the Navajo Journey Home So Remarkable?
Two tipis in the northern plains sunset
Northern Plains History and Cultures: How Do Native People and Nations Experience Belonging?
salmon swimming in a stream
Pacific Northwest History and Cultures: Why Do the Foods We Eat Matter?
suspended grass bridge
The Great Inka Road: How Can a Road System Be an Example of Innovation?
NMAI building along foliage
American Indian Responses to Environmental Challenges
closeup of dragon head
Living Maya Time
Educators participating in teacher workshops
Professional Development
Explore online and in-person workshops designed to equip teachers with critical concepts, and engaging pedagogy to support a transformation in teaching and learning about Native Americans.
Children interacting with digital resources in the classroom
Student Programs
The museum offers a variety of experiences for students to learn about Indigenous people through our new distance learning programs. 2021 virtual field trip schedule coming soon!

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Washington, DC New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions about Native Americans
How many Indians lived in America before 1492?
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