Greetings Museum Friends and Allies,
Exciting Times at the Museum of the American Indian!
The Museum has been abuzz with activity, and we have so much to share! Our Grand Re-opening on April 27th was a resounding success, marked by the launch of captivating new exhibits from extraordinary artists and the forging of incredible partnerships. Since then, we've welcomed a multitude of visitors, each bringing their own unique energy and curiosity. Among them, the children stand out— their eyes light up with wonder as they enter, and their insightful questions inspire us daily.
We are thrilled to announce that our dedicated team is hard at work revamping the children’s programming, with plans to relaunch our school-age education programs this September. But that’s not all! This fall, we will pilot a preschool playgroup and introduce exciting new community service opportunities for teens.
As we gear up for these enriching programs, our focus this summer will be on recruiting top-notch staff to ensure the highest quality experience for our young visitors. To achieve this, we need your support. Your generous contributions will enable us to hire the best educators and program leaders, making a lasting impact on the lives of countless children and families.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Your support makes all of this possible. Read on to learn more about the amazing developments at the Museum of the American Indian.
Board Recruitment Opportunity
The Museum is seeking passionate and skilled board members with expertise in finance, human resources, and business legal. This is an exciting opportunity to volunteer your expertise and make a meaningful impact. If you are interested in joining our dynamic board, we encourage you to apply. Please find the link to the application here Board Member Application. Please send to director@marinindian.com
Welcoming Our Newest Board Member!
We are elated to announce our newest board member, Jessica Mosher, DrPh. MBA. Jessica brings a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted commitment to the preservation and celebration of Indigenous heritage and culture.
Jessica holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Baptist University, an MBA from the University of Redlands with membership in Delta Mu Delta Honors Society, and a Doctorate in Public Health from Loma Linda University School of Public Health. With strong ties to her Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona and Taino family, she embodies a dual Indigenous and American identity, fostering cross-cultural understanding and respect.
As a consultant with the California Rural Indian Health Board and HC2 Strategies, Jessica advises on indigenous health policies, addressing inequities with cultural sensitivity. She completed her Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellowship with the Build Healthy Places Network, focusing on Native American community initiatives. Additionally, Jessica contributes to various committees advocating for underserved communities and indigenous rights, including the LA County Department of Mental Health and the California Native Vote Project.
Let's warmly welcome Jessica to our community!
STAY TUNED!
September 2024
Museum Programs launching in September 2024!
Including school tours!
More information coming in August
The Coast Miwok “Huukuiko;” Past, Present and Future
The Coast Miwok Tribal Council Members
A Message from Dean Hoaglin: Celebrating New Partnerships and Honoring Indigenous Heritage
As President of both the Board of the Museum of the American Indian and the Coast Miwok Tribal Council, I am excited to share some groundbreaking developments at the Museum. We have been working tirelessly to forge new partnerships that elevate and honor the rich heritage of the Coast Miwok people.
The Tribal Council has created authentic exhibits that, for the first time in the Museum's history, allow us to lead the telling of our own history, stories, and contemporary experiences. It is a truly exciting time as we, the descendants of Marin County’s first inhabitants, now have a permanent space to bring to life the beauty, knowledge, and traditions of our people.
This collaboration transforms the Museum from a mere collection of artifacts into a dynamic living cultural center. We are proud to have forged this alignment and allyship, creating a space that not only honors our past but also celebrates our present and future.
In a historic turn of events, for the first time since forced removal, the Coast Miwok Tribal Council has recently regained land in Nicasio, (made possible by the incredible supporters). This marks a significant moment in Marin’s history and a powerful step forward for the Coast Miwok community. I invite you to learn more about our journey of renewal and celebration. Visit:
Grand Re-Opening - April 27th!
Sky Road Webb, Tamal'ko – Tomales Bay Band of Coast Miwok
Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli is a traditional Mexica-Nahua (Aztec) cultural group dedicated to preserving and sharing the dances, songs, and philosophy of Nahua traditions and culture.
Pomo Dancers of Sonoma County
MEET THE ARTISTS
Jackie Fawn (Yurok/Washoe/Filipina) is a graphic illustrator who lives in Akwesasne, Mohawk territory in New York with her husband and 2.5-year-old daughter, who is “the pride and joy” of her life.
Jason Deschler, Dance Captain and Headman, Sah-tah-ko, is a proud lineal descendant of the Coast Miwok of Marin Tamal’ko, specifically from the Huukuiko Band's villages of Etcha Kolum (Tomales Bay) and Etcha Tamal (Nicasio). He also has deep ancestral connections to Bodega Bay and Petaluma. Come see the beautiful regalia he created that is on display at the Museum.
Henry Frank, https://www.redtailart.com/ is a descendant of the great nations of the Yurok and Pomo Tribes. He is a former Arts In Corrections participant/clerk, and currently works for the William James Association as the Communications Administrator and Teaching Artist at California Medical Facility (CMF). He uses his art to amplify the voices of people of color (specifically Native Americans), people who are currently experiencing incarceration, and returning residents (aka formerly incarcerated) to expose the mistreatment, dehumanization, and desolation. His contribution is to make sure their voices are heard beyond the reservations and prison walls. His connection and coexistence within the natural world, his heritage, his culture, and incarceration experience inspires and shapes his artistic expression. Art has freed and expanded his scope of humanity, and it has been a tool for introspection, connection, and expression.
July Artists Reception with Henry Frank. Details coming soon!
Alicia Retes https://www.aliciaretes.com/ Storyteller, artisan and educator, showcases her multicultural Companion Plants and Corn Husk Dolls that have enriched communities across the Greater Bay Area. from schools to events alike. She's also contributed as a teacher and education director at the Museum of the American Indian in Novato for many years. We are grateful for her many years of dedication to the visitors of MAI and look forward to a continued partnership.
Buffalo Field Campaign We are partnering with the Buffalo Field Campaign https://www.buffalofieldcampaign.org/, the only group working both in the field and in the policy arenas to stop the harassment and slaughter of America’s last wild buffalo. Their primary goal is to create permanent year-round protection for bison and the ecosystem they depend on—including respect for the migratory needs of this long-exploited and clearly endangered species. The Buffalo Field Campaign will be touring in fall and will be at the Museum in September. Come meet the Founder and learn more about their work to save the Buffalo. Details coming soon.
All Women Drum
Unole Drum and the White Buffalo Woman Council Drum
Unole Drum
SAVE THE DATE!
Trade Feast 2024!
Sunday, September 15th
MAI Board Members; Dr. JuanCarlos Arauz, Aaron Davis, Douglas Mundo and Dean Hoaglin with City of Novato Mayor, Mark Milberg, Mayor Pro Tem, Tim O’Connor and Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan.
We are on an incredible journey at the Museum of the American Indian, and we need your continued support to see it through. Thanks to your generosity, we have made significant strides, but there is still much work to be done. We are fundraising to relaunch vital programs and breathe new life into the Museum, transforming it into a vibrant living cultural center.
Your contributions have already made a tremendous impact, and with your ongoing support, we can achieve even greater things. We are committed to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Coast Miwok people and providing educational and cultural experiences that will inspire and enrich our community.
From the depths of our hearts, thank you for your unwavering generosity and steadfast belief in our mission. Together, we are creating a legacy that will endure for generations to come.
Please consider making a donation today to help us continue this important
work.
Help Us Continue to Bring the Museum Back to Life
With deepest gratitude,
Dean Hoaglin, Tamal'ko Coast Miwok President and Chair of the Board of Directors
