In this high-energy, interactive event, three Native artists, Ben-Alex Dupris (Colville), Skeena Reece (Tsimshian/Gitksan/Cree), and Terrance Houle (Blackfoot/Saulteaux), offer performance-art pieces inspired by their favorite television “Indian episodes”—those which featured a Native actor as special guest or a Native-inspired theme. While often lacking cultural sensitivity, the shows remain popular in Native communities. Following the event, the artists and moderator Shane Belcourt (Métis) host an informal dialogue and dessert reception in the Mitsitam Native Foods Cafe.

This is the second event in the Smithsonian Heritage Month series “Living in Many Worlds,” which explores the dynamic intersection of family, history, and cultural identity. It is part of the “Film Indians Now!” program series cosponsored by the NMAI Film and Video Department and the National Gallery of Art. Join us for a screening of the film Tkaronto (2007, 102 min.) at 2 pm on Saturday, November 1, at the National Gallery’s East Building Auditorium. A discussion with filmmaker Shane Belcourt follows. For details, see event listing under Films.

Cosponsors: National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian American Indian Employee Network, Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies