Formerly known as the Smoki Museum, the 99-year old Prescott repository for Native American traditions has undergone a name change and shift in mission.
Effective Feb. 10, the museum is now the Museum of Indigenous People (MIP). The new mission is “to instill understanding and respect for the indigenous cultures of the Southwest.”
Cindy Gresser, executive director and affiliated with the museum since 2002, said the public should realize the museum represents more than just Arizona Native American tribes. “Well before there was a United States and certainly Arizona, native people lived in the region, ranging from what is now Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico to the West Coast, and certainly into Mexico and Central America. Our museum embodies far more than the 22 tribes identified with Arizona. It represents cultures that have been here for thousands of years”
The museum is among popular visitor destinations in the Quad Cities area. Gresser said records show that more than 72 percent of visitors are from out of the area. Many, in fact, come from Germany and Canada.
Museum tours are especially popular with school groups, too. The day the Quad Cities Business News visited MIP, a large group of elementary students from Trinity Christian School in Prescott was being guided through various exhibits by Manual Lucero IV, assistant director, and his colleagues. The museum has more than 6,000 artifacts, some from the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff.
Lucero, a Cherokee, encouraged the youngsters to “… get up close, touch and examine…” items on display in exhibit areas. The Trading Post is stocked with authentic Native-made jewelry, art, crafts and blankets.
New Name Reflects Cultural Sensitivity
Gresser said the new name results from several years of discussions among board members and museum advisors. The original name – Smoki Museum – was created in the 1930s, following the creating of the fictional Smoki People in the 1920s by residents who performed imitations of Native American dances and ceremonies during the popular Prescott Rodeo each summer.
Over time, people realized there really was no “Smoki Tribe.” That was a contrived name for marketing purposes. The emphasis began to shift as native peoples, the Native Advisory Council, board members and others acknowledged that the primary responsibility of the museum should be to accurately and honestly represent the history and culture of Native people from the Southwest. Those imitation performances stopped in 1990, and the museum shifted its emphasis to educating people about past and present Native history and culture.
Support for the non-profit organization comes from admissions, grants and gifts, and sponsored events such as arts and crafts auctions. “Our eight-member volunteer board sets museum policy and is committed to accurate conveyance of information about indigenous people that is respectful,” said Gresser.
Though nothing firm has been decided, board members are considering initiating a capital campaign to fund construction of new facilities and remodeling of existing buildings.
Gresser said the MIP staff consists of four full time and two part-time employees. “In addition, more than 60 volunteers give of their time and talent to help with the dozens of events we offer during the year,” she said. Membership continues to increase starting at $25 annually.
The MIP is located at 147 N. Arizona Ave., in Prescott, adjacent to Ken Lindley Park just off Gurley St. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is $7 for adults; $6 for seniors; $5 for students with ID; and free for children 12 and younger. Native Americans and MIP members are free. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Information about events, exhibits programs are available online at museumofindigenouspeople.org/ or by calling 928-1230.
Leave a Reply