National Museum of the American Indian to Host “Living Earth Festival”

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., will host a three-day Living Earth Festival to acknowledge Native contributions to managing the environment and sustaining lifeways and foodways.

The festival, running Aug. 6-8, will include a symposium, with discussions focusing on water, wind and salmon; hands-on activities for kids and families; an outdoor fresh-produce market; a fine art market; a cooking competition; and a concert.

“The museum is uniquely positioned to be a point of convergence on this important global issue,” Kevin Gover, director of the museum, said in a press release. “Building on the success of past Mother Earth events, which since 2007 have brought together scientists, Native elders and musicians, the museum will combine the festival celebration with a ‘call to consciousness’ of contemporary environmental issues that affect all peoples as well as showcase contemporary Native environmental efforts.”