Recently, social inequity has come into sharper focus for more people worldwide. Indigenous people have led, strengthened and supported long standing justice movements for centuries. Now, more than ever, the urgency to address disparities has gained momentum. The National Museum of the American Indian is committed to advance equity and social justice with and for Indigenous peoples of the Western Hemisphere. We envision a more informed, empathetic and just society in which the cultures, histories, achievements and perspectives of Native peoples are included, valued and respected.
The National Museum of the American Indian cares for one of the world's most expansive Indigenous collections, with objects from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Fuego.
As part of the Smithsonian Campaign for Our Shared Future, the museum is raising support to build on three focus objectives: construct and reconstruct cultural narratives; increase diversity, equity, access and inclusion; and convene strategic partnerships and collaborations—all to achieve the above-stated overarching goal of advancing equity and social justice.
Specific fundraising priorities include:
- Cultural Resources Center Expansion and Renovation: Improve the museum’s Cultural Resources Center, which is home to our collections and hosts community partners, to ensure greater support for shared stewardship, scholarship, conservation, collections expansion and repatriation.
- Digital Transformation: Leverage new avenues of engagement with audiences through integrated technology and increased access to museum resources.
- Community Partnerships: Expand reciprocal partnerships with Native and non-Native allies to amplify the perspectives and knowledge of Indigenous peoples.
- Endowment: Build and strengthen our infrastructure through endowments, including scholarships, programming and key positions.