Gichigamiin Museum Reopens with Native Histories Exhibitions
News related to:Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum · 3 min read
CHICAGO and EVANSTON, Ill., Sept. 23, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, formerly known as the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, has reopened its doors to the public following a renovation project. The museum, located at 3001 Central St. in Evanston, Illinois, has introduced two new exhibitions to its permanent collection, including "The Gifts of Our World," a hands-on exhibition for children, and "Indigenous Chicago," a permanent exhibition tracing the history of Native peoples in the Chicago area for over five centuries.
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, a Native-led institution, has been a vital resource for Native communities since 1977. The museum's reopening comes at a time when there is a growing interest in understanding and respecting the cultures and histories of Native communities. The museum's exhibitions aim to provide visitors of all ages with a Native perspective on Chicago and the Great Lakes region, and to educate them about the rich history and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples.
The museum's reopening coincides with the Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration on October 12, which will be a free public event. The event will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Native peoples in Chicago and the surrounding region. The museum will also be hosting a new exhibition titled "Chicago's Legacy Hula - The Koana," which will be on display for a limited time. Developed by Aloha Center Chicago and the Field Museum, the exhibition honors the contributions of Native Hawaiians to Chicago's cultural landscape.
The "Indigenous Chicago" exhibition, which was previously displayed at the Newberry Library, has been brought to the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum. The exhibition is a result of a five-year collaboration among the Newberry Library, Tribal nations, and members of the Chicago Native community. It features a collection of new work by Native artists and explores the histories of various Indigenous peoples who have lived in the Chicago area for centuries.
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum's exhibitions are part of a larger effort to promote awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultures. The museum's Executive Director, Kim Vigue (Menominee/Oneida), expressed gratitude to the Newberry Library and Kohl Children's Museum for their support in making these exhibitions possible.
The exhibition features 14 interactive stations, including a weather station, a puzzle, and chalkboard surfaces for writing or drawing. One station introduces visitors to the Seven Grandfather teachings of the Anishinaabe people.
The "Indigenous Chicago" exhibition, which was previously displayed at the Newberry Library, explores the histories of the Potawatomi, Odawa, Ojibwe, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Myaamia, Wea, Sauk, Meskwaki, Ho-Chunk, Kickapoo, and Mascouten peoples, whose homelands include Chicago. The exhibition also examines the effects of settler colonialism and imagines Indigenous futures. The exhibition features commissioned pieces by Native artists, including regalia by Camille "Katahtu'ntha" Billie (Oneida and Diné), a graphic novel by Jim Terry (Ho-Chunk), and teaching blankets by Jason Wesaw (Pokagon Band of Potawatomi).
The Newberry Library, which provided the Ayer Indigenous Studies Collection and new work by Native artists for the "Indigenous Chicago" exhibition, is thrilled to see the project extended at the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum.
The Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum is a vital resource for Native communities, and its reopening and new exhibitions aim to educate visitors about the rich history and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples. The museum's Executive Director, Kim Vigue, expressed gratitude to the partners who made these exhibitions possible. The museum's reopening coincides with the Indigenous Peoples' Day celebration, which will be a free public event. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of Native peoples in Chicago and the surrounding region.