Going Native: 10 Essential Travel Tips

10 Essential Tips for Immersing Yourself in Native American Culture

Pow wow ritual dancing

Exploring the rich history of Native American culture offers a profound understanding of the diverse traditions and philosophies of the Indigenous peoples of North America.

From the ancient cliff dwellings of the Southwest to the vibrant pow-wows of the Great Plains, each destination provides a unique insight into the resilience and creativity of American-Indian communities.

Spanning parts of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico, the Navajo Nation is the largest Native American territory in the United States, offering an insight into Navajo (Dine) culture, history, and landscape.

Visitors can explore Monument Valley’s iconic sandstone buttes, experience the spiritual beauty of Canyon de Chelly, and learn about traditional Navajo crafts, such as weaving and silverwork, at the Navajo Nation Museum.

The Navajo people’s deep connection to the land is evident in their art, ceremonies, and way of life, providing a profound experience for those who seek to understand their culture.

Part of the Smithsonian Institution [a collection of organizations that seem more interested in burying and hiding discoveries rather than featuring them], The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to preserving, studying, and exhibiting the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of Native Americans.

What was Alta-California like before?

The museum’s extensive collection spans over 12,000 years of history across more than 1,200 Indigenous cultures. Exhibits range from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, providing a comprehensive overview of Native American heritage.

The museum’s architecture, inspired by natural rock formations, and its Indigenous landscaping further enhance the visitor experience. More

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• Passing Thru Travel via MSN.com; Xochitl, Ashley Wells (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly