NDNS IN MUSEUMS: Braiding Indigenous Methodologies into Memory Institutions

The intention of this work is to explore how museums and other historic memory institutions might better engage with Indigenous communities. It is argued that through utilizing Indigenous methodologies in a responsible, reciprocal, and relational way, museums can fulfill their organizational missions in a more holistic manner. Examining first, the history of the violent relationships that museological institutions have with Indigenous North American communities, reveals that it is imperative for museums to repair ongoing harm in the 21st century. Next, through examining two museums (Michigan State University Museums and The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation), we see how major, non-tribal museums are actively utilizing Indigenous methodologies, but not holistically. Conversations with Indigenous community members reveals how in order to begin to embody Indigenous methodology means you have to embody Indigenous values.