Visit us at www.mitchellmuseum.org and friend us on Facebook!

I t was wonderful to see so many of our members and new faces at our Donor Ap-preciation Party and the 35th Anniversary Gala. Key to the museum’s success is the

expansion of our donor base and the revitalizing impact of new board members. We hope that you will consider expanding your participation from volunteering to board membership and encourage your friends as well. Please contact me or come to our Community Day on April 21st to discuss the many opportunities at the museum.

Since we announced plans for a new core exhibit we have made great strides. We have had great response from our keystone exhibits of “Deconstructing Stereotype: Top Ten Truths,” “Did You Know They’re Native?” and “Treasures of the Collection.” This year we are honored to be included in the Chicago/Illinois American Indian Community Planning Initiative which brings together leadership from the American Indian organi-zations serving Chicago. The goal is to build partnerships and plan a community wide conference. It is exciting to be one of the nine Native organizations participating and it speaks of the new relationships that the museum is building that will enrich future programs and exhibits. To ensure that enrichment is incorporated into the new core exhibit, we have decided to postpone the opening until the Summer of 2014. Until then, we will continue to offer an exciting line-up of programs and temporary exhibits so be sure to check out our calendar, e-mails, Facebook posts, and website!

Notes from the Director

Meet Me at the Mitchell

Making It Happen Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art

The member’s guide to programming, news, special events and much, much more!

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian Spring/Summer 2012

F inishing 2011 in the black and exceeding our fundraising goal at our 35th Anniver-

sary Gala Benefit is great news for the Mitchell Museum, particularly with so many non-profits struggling in the current econ-omy.

At the 35th Anniversary Gala, Betty Mitchell welcomed the audience via video and spoke of the founding of the museum, the impor-tance of educating young people about American Indians, and preparing the next generation to support the museum. Taking the lead in this charge, we wish to thank our Benefit & Host committees: Trish and Bob Barr, Ivan and Shelly Berk, Jan and Jeff Berk-son (JB Creative), John and Sarabess Cahill, Reed and Joe Hagee, Frances Hagemann, Barbara and Chris Johnson, Emily Jones, Will Linder and Janette Bowers, Glennis and Barry Lundberg, Barbara Novick, Sue and Tim Salis-bury, Neal and Trimmy Stamell, Strategic Business Communications, Alderman Mark Tendam and Neal Moglin, and Cheryl Wollin. We also thank our benefit sponsors: John J. Cahill, Inc, Evanston First Bank and Trust, North Shore Retirement Hotel, Northwestern University, Mrs. Joan Golder, Jess and Marcia Ray, and Joseph and Colleen Chappelle. I also want to thank Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl for her continued support of the Mitchell Museum, and for picking our lucky raffle winner, Chris Johnson.

Beyond our benefit, we thank our key sup-porters Paul and Jane Friesema, Dr. Robert Gluckman, Lawrence Hamilton, Amanda Jones and Daniel Hartnett, Glennis and Barry Lundberg, Betty Mitchell, James Pritzker, Gary Shipley, NA’AMAT USA, the Richard H. Dreihaus Foundation, the Vanguard Charit- able Endowment, and the Illinois Humanities Council.

We also want to thank the Family Room for their partnership over the past five years and wish them well in their future endeavors. We will be reviewing non-profits with 501(c)3 status looking for a space sharing arrange-ment in our 3009 Central Street building in the coming months. Please contact the mu-seum with inquiries.

W hat is Native art? Challenge your expectations of what is tradi-

tional and contemporary Native Ameri-can art in the Mitchell Museum's new-est exhibit Charles M. Russell to Brian Jungen: Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art. The exhibit will explore the history and evolution of traditional American Indigenous art, trace the rise in popularity of Indian art amongst col-lectors, and highlight the emergence of American Indian fine arts schools. A slideshow will introduce visitors to the biggest Native names in the contempo-rary art world including Brian Jungen (Swiss, Dunne-za First Nations) and Tony Abeyta (Navajo). Artifacts will

highlight re-nowned artists Francis Yellow (Itazipco Lakota), Woody Crumbo ( Po ta wa to mi ) , Chris Pappan (Osage, Kaw, Cheyenne River Sioux), Yvonne Walker-Keshick (Odawa, Ojibwa), and many more. The exhibit will

also challenge stereotypes about Native art themes and styles with an interactive matching game featuring art by Native and non-Native artists, encouraging par-ticipation by inviting visitors to leave their own artistic contribution inspired by the art around them. Response boards in the exhibit will also let visitors’ voices be heard about their own changing views of American Indian art.

As National Museum of the American Indian curator Paul Chaat Smith (Comanche) wrote of contemporary art, “What I do know is that lots of Indian artists are interested in having their work seen and discussed and purchased, and therefore would like to be part of the ‘international art world,’ because that’s where the biggest and best stages are. It’s simple. If you love football, and you’re really, really good, you want to play in the NFL.” Visit Charles M. Russell to Brian Jungen: Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art and discover the American Indian artists who have made it to the biggest and best stages.

Thursday, June 7 from 6 - 8 PM Member’s Only Preview Party

Saturday, June 9 Exhibit Opens to Public. 2 PM Curator Tour

“Chris-Cross Applesause, 21st

Century Ledger Drawing,

Aug. 08, #10”

By Chris Pappan

Thursdays Flute Group, 6:00 - 7:45 PM

Friday, June 1 Free Admission Day

Saturday, June 2 Docent-Led Exhibit Tour 3:00 - 4:00 PM Free with regular admission

Wednesday, June 6 School’s Out Summer Crafts thru Friday, June 9 See the Mitchell’s exhibits and enjoy special all-day D.I.Y. crafts. Free with regular admission.

Thursday, June 7 Charles M. Russell to Brian Jungen: 6:00 - 8:00 PM Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art Member’s Only Preview Party Come see a sneak-peek of our newest exhibit.

Saturday, June 9 Charles M. Russell to Brian Jungen: Changing Views of American Indian Fine Art Exhibit opens to public 2:00 PM Curator Tour See front page article for more information!

Saturday, June 23 - Eiteljorg Museum Indian Market & Festival Sunday, June 24 Visit the Eiteljorg Museum (Indianapolis, Indiana) for their famous weekend Indian arts, crafts & cultural event.

Saturday, June 30 Time: TBD Fee: TBD Native American Dance Demonstration Enjoy traditional American Indian dancing and learn more about dance regalia and Pow Wows. More details coming soon on our website!

Thursdays Flute Group, 6:00 - 7:45 PM

Friday, July 6 Free Admission Day

Saturday, July 7 Docent-Led Exhibit Tour 3:00 - 4:00 PM Free with regular admission

Saturday, July 21 Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival Sunday, July 22 Visit the Mitchell’s table and make Native-Noon - 7 PM inspired crafts while enjoying the sites and sounds of multi-cultural Evanston.

Saturday, July 28 Touring Through Time: Local Native History 1:30 - 2:30 PM Lecture & Bike Excursion Meet at the museum for a lecture at 1:30PM on local American Indian history and ride your bike with us afterward to nearby historic sites and landmarks in Evanston and Wilmette. Tour followed by cooling refreshments at the museum. Fee: $10/members & $12/non-members (bike tour optional). RSVP by July 24. Check our website as date approaches for more information!

Thursdays Flute Group, 6:00 - 7:45 PM

Tuesday, April 3 - Spring Break Week at the Mitchell Museum Friday, April 6 Stop by the Mitchell during Spring Break week Crafts All Day! for special all-day D.I.Y. crafts. 2:00 PM Story hour at the Teaching Lodge See back page article for more details!

Friday, April 6 Free Admission Day

Saturday, April 7 Docent-Led Exhibit Tour 3:00 - 4:00 PM Free with regular admission

Saturday, April 21 Central Street Community Day Stop by and enjoy this fun line-up of events: 11 - Noon Dream catcher craft (guided instruction) 1:00 - 1:30 Story hour at the Teaching Lodge 3:00 - 4:00 PM Curator tour of Deconstructing Stereotypes See back page article for more details!

Sunday, Apr. 22 Native Comedy Night 5:00 - 7:00 PM with Marc Yaffee (Irish/Mexican/Navajo) Join the museum for an evening of laughter! RSVP by April 18th by calling (847) 475-1030 Tickets: $10/members & $12/non-members Venue: Heartland Café (7000 North Glenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626) See back page article for more information!

Friday, April 27 Book Seminar Noon - 1:00 PM Father Pierre Francois Pinet and His Mission of the Guardian Angel of Chicago by Frank R. Grover (available at museum) Participants are asked to do independent research on local Native history to discuss.

Thursdays Flute Group, 6:00 - 7:45 PM

Friday, May 4 Free Admission Day

Saturday, May 5 Native American Plants Lecture 2:00 - 3:00 PM Dr. Eli Suzukovich III (Little Shell Chippewa Cree) Learn about indigenous plants and their uses both historically and in contemporary culture. Fee: $5/members & $7/non-members

Saturday, May 5 Docent-Led Exhibit Tour 3:00 - 4:00 PM Free with regular admission

Sunday, May 13 Deconstructing Stereotypes: Top Ten Truths Closes to the Public

Sunday, May 20 Don’t Know Much About the War of 1812 2:00 - 3:00 PM by Frances Hagemann (Métis/Ojibwe) and Barbara Johnson. Free with regular admission. See side article for more information!

Friday, May 25 Book Seminar Noon - 1:00 PM Buried Indians: Digging Up the Past in a Midwestern Town by Laurie Hovell McMillin Last Book Seminar before the summer hiatus!

Calendar of Events: APRIL

JULY

JUNE

MAY

Guided Instruction available on Saturdays: 11:00 - Noon & Sundays: 12:30 - 1:30 PM. Crafts free with regular admission!

Mar. 31 - Apr. 1: Lakota Star Quilts May 12 - 13: God’s Eyes June 23 - 24: Northwest Coast Rattles April 7 - 8: Woven Baskets May 19 - 20: Talking Feathers June 30 - July 1: Seminole Patchwork April 14 - 15: Button Blankets May 26 - 27: Navajo Woven Rugs July 7 - 8: Beaded Key Chains April 21 - 22: Dream Catchers June 2 - 3: Children’s Bolo Ties July 14 - 15: Cherokee Syllabary April 28 - 29: Plains Warrior Shields June 9 - 10: Porcupine Quill Boxes July 21 - 22: Lakota Star Quilts May 5 - 6: Corn Husk Dolls June 16 - 17: Loom Beading July 28 - 29: Button Blankets

Kids’ Crafts at the Mitchell Museum

L ittle significance is placed on the War of 1812 in U.S. history classes, but this war was crucial in shaping the history of

tribal nations east of the Mississippi. Join the museum on Sun-day, May 20th at 2 PM to learn the American Indian perspective on the War of 1812 and discover these new aspects of this his-torical event:

Tribal nations did not acquiesce without a fight Tribal nations had coherent motives for actions American Indians had a long history of confederation to fight common enemies Mishikinakwa, Tenskwatawa, Tecumseh and other strong leaders emerged to lead opposition to encroaching settlements

The lecture will be led by Barbara Johnson and Frances Hage-mann (Ojibwe/Métis). Johnson is a former teacher and freelance writer and also a volunteer docent and curriculum writer at the Mitchell Museum. As an independent historian, she studies American Indian history and contemporary Indian issues. Hage-mann is a retired University of Illinois at Chicago professor and museum Board Member. She has been invited to speak at nu-merous events and programs around the United States. Their 1812 lecture debuted in Washington, D.C and continues this summer in Springfield, IL.

As aptly stated by Scott Stevens (Akwesasne Mohawk ), Director of the D’Arcy McNickle Center for American Indian History at the Newberry Library, “there is no ‘Indian Free’ American history, it’s just taught that way.”

B erries ripen early in the spring time and are wonderful addi-tions to a variety of dishes. This recipe for Cherokee Huckle-

berry Bread calls for huckleberries (wild, tart blueberries), but can be easily made with blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, cranberries...the possibilities are limited only by your imagination!

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Cream egg, butter and sugar together. 3. Add flour, milk and vanilla. 4. Sprinkle a pinch of flour on berries to prevent them from

sinking to the bottom of the bread. 5. Add berries to the mixture, making sure to spread them

evenly. 6. Put in baking pan and bake in over at 350 degrees for ap-

proximately 40 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

7. Share with friends & family!

Don’t Know Much About the War of 1812 Native American Recipe

Ingredients 1 stick butter 1 egg 1 cup sugar 2 cups self-rising flour 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup huckleberries

B arbara Novick joined the Mitchell as a volunteer in 2010 and quickly found a special place in the museum commu-

nity. A woman of many talents, Barbara has done a little bit of everything - from helping organize the museum files to prepping crafts for school field trips, and even assisting with 3 museum benefits - she is dependable, reliable, and overall a dedicated individual. Barbara brings a wealth of knowledge from her 20 years as Ex-ecutive Director at NA’AMAT USA, a Jewish organization founded to help women in Israel achieve equality through social and educational services. A long-time advocate for women and minority rights, Barbara has discovered through her time at the museum that people of Jewish and Native American heritage have often faced similar historical struggles, oppression, and hardships. According to Barbara, “it’s amazing how much of a cultural connection I feel to other groups that have had similar plights.” Barbara is also active in several Morton Grove committees, local political campaigns, and she is a passionate animal lover. She recently came back from an extraordinary trip to the Galapagos Islands and shared her much anticipated photos with the mu-seum staff and volunteers. Barbara is a gem of a volunteer, and we are glad to have her on board. “I truly enjoy volunteering at the Mitchell. I really feel like I have a second family here with the staff and other volunteers,” says Barbara. Contact Visitor Services to learn about volunteer and docent opportunities.

H elp support the documentation, conservation, and stor-age of the Mitchell Museum's collection by adopting one

of these museum artifacts! Your one-year adoption comes with a photo and certificate of your chosen artifact. Adoptions also make great gifts. Choose from these artifacts ($100 each) or visit our website to see all artifacts up for adoption in 2012.

Adopt an Artifact Volunteer Spotlight

To adopt , simply call the museum at (847) 475-1030. For more images of adoptable artifacts, visit us online at:

www.mitchellmuseum.org

Strawberry Basket, Ottawa, 1940s Beaded Snake Toy, Plains, 19th c. Blanket Toss Carving, Inuit, 20th c. Fetish, Zuni, Late 20th c. Gutskin Parka, Inuit, Early 20th c. Dance Figure, Northwest Coast, 20th c. Killer Whale Visor Mask, Haida, 1980s Beaded Moccasins, Plains, 19th c. Porcupine Quill Box, Great Lakes, 20th c. Glengarry Hat, Iroquois, Early 20th c.

artifacts pictured are in bold

3001 Central Street Evanston, IL 60201

Your guide to great programs and events!

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

T he last laugh is on us at Native Comedy Night with Marc Yaffee

(Irish/Mexican/Navajo) on Sunday, April 22 from 5 - 6 PM at the Heartland Café (7000 North Glenwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626). Yaffee's unique, multicultural background fuels his witty comedic approach which has found rapport with audiences of all

ages and backgrounds. Yaffee has been featured on PBS, Showtime, Comics Unleashed, and many other notable sta-tions and venues. An international success, Yaffee has toured overseas five times to entertain U.S. Troops, and he has a tal-ent for adjusting his material to suit diverse audiences without losing his edge. This is a great event to experience with family and friends. You can learn more about Yaffee by visiting his website: www.laughwithmarc.com. Check out the Heartland’s website to view their full menu and plan your evening: www.heartlandcafe.com. Ticket prices are $10/members & $12/non-members. Space is limited, so make sure to reserve your seats today by emailing visitor.services@mitchellmuseum.org or calling (847)475-1030. RSVP by April 18th. Don’t miss your chance to laugh with Marc and enjoy a great event with the Mitchell community!

Don’t Miss: Native Comedy Night Community Day & School’s Out

J oin us on Saturday, April 21 from 10 AM - 5 PM when the museum will open its doors and provide free activities for

families in support of the Central Street business’ Community Day (regular museum admission applies). Be sure to pick-up a Community Day flyer available at the Mitchell Museum and shop along Central Street, where 10% of your total purchases will be donated back to the museum from participating stores. Simply fill out your flyer with the Mitchell Museum’s informa-tion and present it at time of purchase - it’s a great way to sup-port both the museum and local Central Street businesses. Learn about volunteering, docenting, and other ways you can be a part of the Mitchell community. We have fun events planned throughout the day for visitors of all ages:

11:00 - Noon Dream catcher craft (guided instruction) 1:00 - 1:30 PM Story hour at the Teaching Lodge 3:00 - 4:00 PM Curator tour of Deconstructing Stereotypes

Spring Break Week (Tuesday, April 3 - Friday, April 6) & School’s Out (Wednesday, June 6 - Friday, June 8) The Mitchell is also hosting special events for Evanston’s Spring Break week and the end of the school year. Visit the museum from Tuesday, April 3 - Friday, April 6 and from Wednesday, June 6 - Friday, June 8 and enjoy all-day D.I.Y. crafts, including: rug weaving, Northwest Coast mask coloring, Plains shields & Seminole patchwork. Native American stories will be read each afternoon at 2 PM at our Teaching Lodge.