Modern Indigenous St. Louis

Cost: Free
Lee Auditorium
Happy Hour: 5:00-6:30
Talk: 6:30-8:00

These meetups will be a little different - there may or may not be a meetup host at these events, so this is more a way to let people in this group know these history talks are taking place. You may or may not see anyone else from the meetup group there if you choose to go.

Thursday Nights at the Museum is a weekly series where the museum exhibits are open late and you can enjoy pop-up activities, a cash bar, food and more.

"What does it mean to build a new life while fighting to preserve culture, identity, and community? Following the passage of the Indian Relocation Act of 1956, as assimilationist policy that encouraged Native Americans to move away from reservations to urban areas, thousands of Native Americans were relocated to cities across the United States, including St. Louis. Promoted by the federal government as a path to self-sufficiency and economic opportunity, the policy disrupted communities and contributed to the erosion of tribal connections for many Native people. Historian, elder, and Missouri National Trail of Tears Association board member Galen Gritts (Cherokee) will provide historical context for the relocation era, followed by a panel discussion exploring the experiences of Native Americans who built lives in St. Louis during the mid- to late-20th century. Hear stories of resilience, cultural preservation, and community building in the face of displacement and erasure—and discover how those experiences continue to shape Native life in St. Louis today.

"Join us in the Grand Hall before our main-stage event to enjoy food and drinks available for purchase from Amighetti’s and Hank’s Cheesecakes. Visit resource tables hosted by local Indigenous organizations and enjoy activites." from https://mohistory.org/events/modern-indigenous-stl