JACKSON, Wyo. — The National Museum of Wildlife Art has announced a new program that allows all enrolled tribal members to enter the museum free of charge.
The Indigenous Access Program was announced on Monday, Nov. 13, in honor of Native American Heritage Month.
According to the announcement, the museum consulted with Native American community partners in creating the program, including Ivan D. Posey, Eastern Shoshone, Tribal Education Coordinator at Central Wyoming College.
“It is very respectful and noteworthy that the Museum has given access to the Indigenous Community to view the Museum free of charge,” Posey said via press release. “The Jackson area was frequented by several tribes historically, and our presence is still felt by those before us. Our relationship with the wildlife is sacred, and this milestone allows for more educational opportunities with the general public to continue to tell our stories.”
Complimentary admission can be arranged at the museum’s admissions desk, with no pre-registration or paperwork necessary, per the announcement.
“Several years ago, we formalized the Museum’s Land Acknowledgement statement,
with the awareness that that was just the beginning,” Museum Director Steve Seamons said in the announcement. “As iterated in our Land Acknowledgement, we are committed to amplifying Native voices, and removing barriers to access is a key step in that process.”
