How to Learn Native American History at Eiteljorg Portland

There is a common misconception that Native American history is confined to textbooks, distant reservations, or museum dioramas frozen in time. In reality, it is a living, evolving narrative shaped by resilience, innovation, and deep cultural continuity. For those seeking authentic, respectful, and immersive education on Native American heritage, the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art in Indianapolis stands as a nationally recognized institution — yet the reference to “Eiteljorg Portland” is inaccurate. There is no such entity as the “Eiteljorg Portland.” The Eiteljorg Museum is located exclusively in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana, and has no branch or affiliate in Portland, Oregon. This tutorial will clarify this misconception while providing a comprehensive, accurate guide on how to learn Native American history through the Eiteljorg Museum’s world-class resources, exhibitions, and educational programs — and how to apply those principles to your own learning journey, whether you’re in Portland, elsewhere, or online.

Understanding Native American history is not merely an academic pursuit; it is an act of cultural accountability. From ancestral land stewardship to contemporary sovereignty movements, Native nations have shaped the foundation of North America. Learning this history with integrity means moving beyond stereotypes, engaging directly with Indigenous voices, and recognizing the diversity among more than 570 federally recognized tribes in the United States alone. The Eiteljorg Museum, through its curated collections, community partnerships, and educational outreach, exemplifies how institutions can serve as bridges between the public and Indigenous knowledge systems.

This guide will walk you through how to effectively learn Native American history using the Eiteljorg Museum as a model — even if you’re not physically in Indianapolis. You’ll discover practical steps to access its resources, adopt best practices for ethical learning, utilize digital tools, examine real-world case studies, and answer common questions that arise when exploring this vital subject. Whether you’re a student, educator, traveler, or curious learner, this tutorial will empower you to engage with Native American history in a meaningful, respectful, and enduring way.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Misconception — There Is No Eiteljorg in Portland

Before diving into learning, it is essential to correct a frequent error: the Eiteljorg Museum is not located in Portland, Oregon. It is situated at 500 West Washington Street in Indianapolis, Indiana. The confusion may arise because Portland has its own vibrant Native American cultural institutions — such as the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), the Portland Art Museum’s Indigenous collections, or the annual Native American Film Festival. However, the Eiteljorg Museum is a singular entity in Indianapolis. If you are in Portland and seeking Native American history resources, you should focus on local institutions. But if you want to learn from the Eiteljorg’s nationally acclaimed approach, you must engage with its offerings remotely or plan a visit to Indianapolis.

Recognizing this distinction is the first step toward accurate, responsible learning. Misinformation about location can lead to missed opportunities or misguided research. Always verify institutional names and addresses before planning visits or citing sources.

Step 2: Visit the Eiteljorg Museum Website

The Eiteljorg Museum’s official website — www.eiteljorg.org — is your primary gateway to learning. Begin by exploring the “Exhibitions” section, where current and past displays are documented with high-resolution images, curator notes, and educational guides. The museum is renowned for its rotating exhibitions that highlight contemporary Native artists, historical artifacts, and cultural practices often overlooked in mainstream narratives.

Pay special attention to the “Collections” tab, which includes searchable databases of over 13,000 objects — from beadwork and pottery to ceremonial regalia and historical photographs. Each entry includes provenance information, cultural context, and tribal affiliation. This transparency is rare and invaluable for learners seeking to understand the origin and significance of each item.

Step 3: Access Online Educational Resources

The Eiteljorg Museum offers a robust suite of digital learning tools. Navigate to the “Education” section of the website, where you’ll find downloadable lesson plans aligned with national standards for K–12 and higher education. These resources are developed in collaboration with Native educators and community members, ensuring cultural accuracy.

Examples include:

• “Voices of the Plains: Oral Histories from the Lakota and Cheyenne” — a multimedia module featuring audio interviews with tribal elders.
• “Contemporary Native Art: Breaking Stereotypes” — an interactive timeline connecting traditional motifs to modern artistic expressions.
• “Land and Sovereignty: Understanding Tribal Nations Today” — a case study on federal recognition and treaty rights.

These materials are free to download and can be used independently or in classroom settings. They are designed to foster critical thinking rather than passive consumption.

Step 4: Explore Virtual Tours and 360° Exhibits

Even if you cannot travel to Indianapolis, the Eiteljorg Museum provides immersive virtual experiences. Their “Virtual Museum Tour” allows users to navigate gallery spaces in 360-degree views, with clickable hotspots that reveal detailed commentary from curators and Indigenous consultants. For example, the “Indigenous Peoples of the Great Plains” exhibit includes a virtual walk-through of a replica tipi, accompanied by audio narration from Northern Cheyenne storytellers.

Additionally, the museum partners with Google Arts & Culture to offer high-resolution scans of select artifacts. You can zoom in on the intricate quillwork of a 19th-century Ojibwe moccasin or examine the brushstrokes of a contemporary Navajo painter — all from your device.

Step 5: Enroll in Online Workshops and Webinars

The Eiteljorg regularly hosts live and recorded webinars featuring Native scholars, artists, and community leaders. Past topics include “Reclaiming Language: Indigenous Language Revitalization Efforts,” “Native Women in Art and Activism,” and “The Role of Museums in Repatriation.” These events are open to the public and often include Q&A sessions.

To stay updated, subscribe to the museum’s newsletter or follow them on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Many webinars are archived and available for free viewing. These sessions are not lectures; they are dialogues that center Indigenous perspectives and invite learners to reflect on their own roles in cultural understanding.

Step 6: Engage with Native Artists and Storytellers

One of the Eiteljorg’s most distinctive features is its commitment to elevating contemporary Native voices. The museum does not treat Native culture as a relic of the past. Instead, it showcases living traditions through artist residencies, live demonstrations, and public talks.

Learn from artists like Jaune Quick-to-See Smith (Salish/Kootenai), whose mixed-media works confront colonial narratives, or from beadwork master Wendy Red Star (Apsáalooke), who uses humor and historical juxtaposition to challenge stereotypes. The museum often provides video interviews with these artists, explaining their creative process, cultural inspiration, and the significance of materials used.

As a learner, take notes on how these artists connect ancestral knowledge with modern expression. Ask yourself: How does this artwork challenge dominant narratives? What does it reveal about identity, resistance, or continuity?

Step 7: Participate in Community-Based Learning

While the Eiteljorg is based in Indianapolis, its mission extends beyond the museum walls. The institution partners with tribal nations across the country to co-develop exhibits and educational content. For example, the “Native American Fashion: Tradition and Innovation” exhibit was created in collaboration with the Hopi, Zuni, and Navajo communities.

As a learner, seek out similar community-based opportunities in your own region. Attend local powwows, cultural festivals, or tribal council meetings (when open to the public). Listen more than you speak. Ask permission before photographing or recording. Support Native-owned businesses and artists. These actions mirror the Eiteljorg’s ethos: learning is not extraction; it is relationship-building.

Step 8: Reflect and Document Your Learning Journey

True understanding comes through reflection. Keep a learning journal where you record:

• What surprised you about a particular exhibit or artifact?
• How does this information challenge what you were taught in school?
• Who is telling this story, and whose voices are missing?
• What actions can you take to support Native communities?

Reflection transforms passive observation into active engagement. Consider sharing your insights with others — through social media, a blog, or a community presentation — while always crediting the sources and respecting cultural protocols.

Best Practices

Practice Cultural Humility, Not Cultural Appropriation

Learning Native American history requires a mindset of humility. Avoid reducing complex cultures to symbols, costumes, or stereotypes. A headdress is not a fashion accessory. A dreamcatcher is not a decorative trinket. These items carry deep spiritual, ceremonial, or familial significance. When you encounter them in a museum or online, approach them with reverence — not curiosity as consumption.

Ask yourself: Am I learning to understand, or am I collecting for aesthetic value? If you’re inspired by a design, support Native artists who create authentic pieces rather than purchasing mass-produced imitations.

Center Indigenous Voices

Always prioritize sources created by Native people. Books, documentaries, podcasts, and art by Indigenous authors and creators should be your primary references. Avoid relying on non-Native historians or romanticized portrayals from older textbooks. For example, instead of reading a 1970s account of the Trail of Tears written by a white historian, read “The Way to Rainy Mountain” by N. Scott Momaday (Kiowa) or “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz (of Irish and Cherokee descent).

Recognize Diversity Among Tribes

There is no single “Native American” culture. Over 570 federally recognized tribes exist in the U.S., each with distinct languages, governance systems, spiritual beliefs, and histories. The Navajo Nation, for instance, is the largest tribal nation by land and population, while the Wampanoag people of New England have a profoundly different historical experience than the Inupiat of Alaska.

When studying any topic — whether it’s foodways, art, or political sovereignty — specify the tribe or region. Avoid generalizations like “Native Americans believe…” or “All tribes…”

Understand the Difference Between History and Living Culture

Native American history is not confined to the 1800s. Tribes are sovereign nations with modern governments, economies, legal systems, and cultural practices. Learning should include contemporary issues such as water rights in the Colorado River Basin, the fight against pipeline construction on sacred lands, or the resurgence of Native-language immersion schools.

Ask: Who are today’s Native leaders? What are they advocating for? How are youth engaging with tradition in new ways?

Respect Protocols Around Sacred Knowledge

Some stories, songs, and ceremonies are not meant for public sharing. Even in museum settings, certain items may be restricted from photography or discussion due to cultural protocols. If you encounter a sign that says “Do Not Photograph” or “Restricted Access,” honor it. These rules exist to protect sacred traditions from exploitation.

If you’re unsure whether something is appropriate to share, ask a tribal representative or curator. When in doubt, err on the side of silence and respect.

Support Repatriation and Ethical Curation

The Eiteljorg Museum has been a leader in repatriating ancestral remains and sacred objects under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). As a learner, educate yourself on NAGPRA and support institutions that prioritize returning cultural items to their communities of origin.

Ask: Is this museum transparent about how it acquired its collections? Does it collaborate with tribes on exhibit design? Does it provide space for tribal voices in decision-making?

Use Accurate Terminology

Language matters. Use “Native American,” “American Indian,” “Indigenous,” or specific tribal names — depending on context and preference. Many people prefer to be identified by their specific nation (e.g., “Cherokee,” “Ojibwe,” “Hopi”) rather than broad terms. Avoid outdated or offensive terms like “Indian,” “tribe” as a verb, or “primitive.”

When in doubt, follow the lead of the community being discussed. If a tribe uses “American Indian” in its official name, respect that usage.

Tools and Resources

Primary Digital Resources from the Eiteljorg Museum

• Eiteljorg Collections Database — Searchable archive of over 13,000 artifacts with detailed cultural context: www.eiteljorg.org/collections
• Virtual Museum Tour — 360° gallery walkthroughs with curator commentary: www.eiteljorg.org/virtual-tour
• Education Resource Library — Free downloadable lesson plans, activity sheets, and multimedia guides: www.eiteljorg.org/education
• Eiteljorg YouTube Channel — Archived webinars, artist talks, and behind-the-scenes content: youtube.com/user/EiteljorgMuseum

Recommended Books and Publications

• “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States” by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz — A foundational text that reframes U.S. history from Indigenous perspectives.
• “The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee” by David Treuer — A powerful account of Native survival and resilience from 1890 to the present.
• “Holding Our World Together” by Brenda J. Child — Explores the vital roles of Native women in leadership and community survival.
• “Custer Died for Your Sins” by Vine Deloria Jr. — A classic work of Native political thought and satire.
• “Native American Art in the Twentieth Century” by W. Jackson Rushing — A comprehensive survey of modern Indigenous art movements.

Podcasts and Audio Resources

• “All My Relations” — Hosted by Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip), this podcast explores identity, culture, and healing through conversations with Native guests.
• “The Red Nation Podcast” — Focuses on Indigenous liberation, land rights, and political activism.
• “Native America Calling” — A live call-in radio show covering current events from a Native perspective.

Museums and Institutions with Comparable Resources

While the Eiteljorg is a model, other institutions offer equally rich resources:

• National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian) — Washington, D.C. and New York City. Extensive online collections and virtual exhibitions.
• Indian Pueblo Cultural Center — Albuquerque, New Mexico. Offers cultural tours, language classes, and Pueblo storytelling.
• Portland Art Museum — Native American Art Collection — Portland, Oregon. Features Pacific Northwest Indigenous art and community collaborations.
• First Peoples Fund — Supports Native artists and cultural entrepreneurs nationwide.

Online Learning Platforms

• edX — Offers free courses like “Native American History: From the First Peoples to the Present” from the University of Oklahoma.
• Khan Academy — Includes modules on Native American civilizations and colonial encounters.
• Google Arts & Culture — Hosts curated exhibits from the Eiteljorg and other museums with high-resolution artifact views.

Community-Based Tools

• Attend local powwows, cultural fairs, or tribal heritage days. Always check event guidelines for visitor etiquette.
• Join online forums like Reddit’s r/Indigenous or Facebook groups moderated by Native educators.
• Volunteer with organizations like the National Indian Education Association or local tribal language revitalization projects.

Real Examples

Example 1: The “Sovereignty and Self-Determination” Exhibit at Eiteljorg

In 2021, the Eiteljorg Museum opened “Sovereignty and Self-Determination: Native Nations Today,” an exhibit that highlighted the legal and political struggles of tribes to maintain autonomy. One centerpiece was a recreated courtroom scene from the 1970s, where the Menominee Nation successfully fought to restore its federal recognition after termination policies had stripped it of rights.

Visitors could listen to audio recordings of tribal council meetings, read legal briefs written in both English and Menominee, and view maps showing land cessions over time. The exhibit concluded with a call to action: “Support Tribal Sovereignty by Learning the Truth.”

A student in Portland, Oregon, accessed this exhibit virtually and wrote a research paper on how federal termination policies impacted education funding for Native children. She then contacted her local school board to advocate for curriculum changes that included tribal sovereignty in U.S. history classes.

Example 2: The “Beadwork as Resistance” Project

The Eiteljorg partnered with the Ojibwe artist and educator, Jodi Archambault, to create a digital exhibit titled “Beadwork as Resistance.” The project displayed traditional floral beadwork patterns from the 1800s alongside contemporary pieces that incorporated protest slogans, such as “Mni Wiconi” (Water is Life) and “No DAPL.”

Each piece included a video interview with the artist explaining the symbolism. One beadwork piece featured the faces of missing and murdered Indigenous women, rendered in tiny glass beads — a quiet but powerful memorial.

A high school teacher in Portland used this exhibit in her social studies class. Students created their own beadwork designs representing issues they cared about — climate justice, immigration, or mental health — and presented them at a school-wide cultural night. The project sparked conversations about art as activism and the importance of honoring cultural traditions while addressing modern struggles.

Example 3: Repatriation and Healing — The Return of the Sacred Pipe

In 2019, the Eiteljorg Museum repatriated a sacred Lakota pipe that had been in its collection for over 80 years. The pipe had been taken from a burial site in South Dakota during the early 20th century. Through a formal repatriation ceremony led by Lakota spiritual leaders, the pipe was returned to its ancestral community.

The museum documented the entire process — from the initial request by the tribe, to the scientific analysis, to the emotional return ceremony — and made it available as a public educational video.

A university student in Portland watched the video and was moved to start a campus campaign advocating for the return of Indigenous artifacts held by the university’s anthropology department. Her efforts led to the formation of a student-tribal advisory council, which now reviews all Native collections on campus.

Example 4: Language Revitalization Through Art

The Eiteljorg collaborated with the Cherokee Nation to create “Telling Our Stories: Cherokee Language in Contemporary Art.” The exhibit featured paintings, sculptures, and digital installations that integrated Cherokee syllabary — the written language developed by Sequoyah in the 1820s.

One artist created a series of ceramic bowls inscribed with phrases like “I am learning,” “I am proud,” and “I remember.” Visitors could scan QR codes to hear the phrases spoken aloud by Cherokee speakers.

A language teacher in Portland used this exhibit as inspiration to launch a weekly “Cherokee Word of the Week” program in her school. Students learned greetings, family terms, and nature words. The program expanded to include community elders who visited the classroom to share stories in Cherokee.

FAQs

Is there really no Eiteljorg Museum in Portland?

Yes. The Eiteljorg Museum is located exclusively in Indianapolis, Indiana. Portland has its own Native American cultural institutions, such as the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) and the Portland Art Museum’s Indigenous collections. Always verify institutional locations before planning visits or citing sources.

Can I access Eiteljorg resources if I live outside Indiana?

Absolutely. The Eiteljorg Museum offers extensive digital resources — including virtual tours, downloadable lesson plans, webinars, and online collections — that are freely accessible to anyone worldwide.

Why is it important to learn Native American history from Native perspectives?

For centuries, Native American history was told by outsiders — often through biased, inaccurate, or romanticized lenses. Learning from Native voices ensures accuracy, honors lived experience, and combats harmful stereotypes. It also affirms the sovereignty and agency of Indigenous nations today.

What should I do if I see Native cultural items being sold as souvenirs?

Do not purchase them. These items are often mass-produced, culturally inappropriate, or stolen from sacred traditions. Instead, seek out Native-owned businesses that sell authentic, ethically made art and crafts. Support Indigenous artists directly.

How can I support Native communities beyond learning?

Support tribal-led initiatives, donate to Native nonprofits, advocate for policy changes that protect tribal sovereignty, and amplify Native voices in your community. Education is the first step — action is the next.

Are there free educational materials for teachers?

Yes. The Eiteljorg Museum provides free, standards-aligned lesson plans, activity sheets, and multimedia resources for K–12 educators. All materials are developed with input from Native educators and community members.

What’s the difference between “Native American” and “Indigenous”?

“Native American” typically refers to Indigenous peoples within the United States. “Indigenous” is a broader term that includes Native peoples globally, such as First Nations in Canada, Aboriginal Australians, or Māori in New Zealand. Many people prefer “Indigenous” because it emphasizes connection to ancestral lands and sovereignty. Always respect individual or community preference.

How do I know if a museum is ethically run?

Look for transparency: Does the museum list tribal partners? Does it credit creators and communities? Does it have a repatriation policy? Does it include Native staff in leadership roles? Ethical institutions prioritize collaboration over collection.

Conclusion

Learning Native American history is not a destination — it is a lifelong journey of listening, reflecting, and acting with integrity. The Eiteljorg Museum, though located in Indianapolis, offers a blueprint for ethical, community-centered education that can be replicated anywhere. Whether you’re in Portland, Chicago, or Nairobi, the principles remain the same: center Indigenous voices, respect cultural protocols, challenge misinformation, and turn knowledge into action.

The myth of “Eiteljorg Portland” is not just a geographical error — it’s a reminder of how easily history can be distorted, commodified, or misremembered. But by seeking accurate information, engaging with authentic resources, and honoring the living cultures of Native nations, you become part of a larger movement toward truth, justice, and reconciliation.

Start today. Visit the Eiteljorg website. Watch a webinar. Read a book by a Native author. Support a Native artist. Speak up when you hear stereotypes. Teach others what you’ve learned — with humility and respect.

Native American history is not a chapter in a book. It is a living, breathing reality. And you — yes, you — have a role to play in honoring it.