Native youth help Evanston museum create mural

Sharing a deep connection to the land, celebration of the historic legacy of Indigenous tribes and expression of cultural traditions through art were all part of new programming this week at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian in Evanston.

The museum hosted an open house event Friday with the unveiling of a new outdoor mural designed by Native youth, a children’s book author reading and the introduction of a new Indigenous medicine and pollinator garden at their Central Street, Evanston location.

“We are thrilled to present the new mural to the public and support a project that promotes cultural awareness, empowerment, and leadership among Chicago’s talented young Native artists,” said Mitchell Museum Executive Director Kim Vigue.

Vigue can trace her lineage to both the Menomini and Oneida people.

“We aligned with the St. Kateri Youth Circle in Chicago, to increase efforts to provide children, educators, and visitors with new perspectives and programming on the Chicago area’s rich Native histories, cultures, and contributions, the mural was a part of that,” Vigue said.

Friday’s gathering included the sharing of Indigenous food and a recognition ceremony for the nine Native youth mural artists followed by an open house and reception.

Organizers say the mural concept was youth-driven and tells the Anishinaabe Creation Story with representations of nature and animals in the Woodland art style.

The brightly colored mural, unveiled on Friday, will be on display on the Mitchell Museum’s front exterior facing Central Street.

Jordan Gurneau of Skokie attended the mural ceremony and said it is moving to see the stories of creation brought to life through art.

“These are stories that I have heard before, that I’ve pictured in my mind’s eye, now these young artists have translated and shared these stories, keeping them alive through the mural project,” Gurneau said.

The museum collaborated with Northwestern University ethnobotanist and anthropologist Dr. Eli Suzukovich, who has lineage to the Little Shell Band of Chippewa-Cree and The Republic of Serbian Krajina, to unveil an Indigenous Medicine and Pollinator Garden this summer.

Growing medicinal plants like sage, tobacco and sweet grass, Vigue says the project’s goal has been to provide all Native and non-Native participants with a greater understanding of the interconnectedness of food sovereignty, traditional wisdom, environment, and physical and behavioral wellness through traditional gardening.

The event also highlighted a new online exhibit featuring children’s books Atika’s Medicine and “I’m Not a Costume” by author and educator Maria Des Jarlait, who has Arikara and Ojibwe lineage.

Nizhoni Ward, who holds the 2022 titles of Miss Indian Chicago and Miss Globe United States, also attended Friday.

“As a member of the Native community in Chicago I came to support the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian programs and youth project,” Ward said.

Gina Grillo is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.