Native American History on the National Mall

Welcome to the National Mall, a place of both memorialization and demonstration, where the past is not only remembered, but where people are invited to use their voices for change.

Inspired by this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival’s theme, “Indigenous Voices of the Americas – Celebrating the National Museum of the American Indian,” please join the National Park Service for special programs focused on Native American connections. We have also included articles on several Indigenous demonstrations that occurred on the National Mall, histories related to our monuments and memorials, as well as the park land itself, and a list of facts that our park rangers find interesting.

Also visit the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, June 26 through July 1, as it shines a spotlight on the rich heritage of Native American communities, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the traditions, stories, and contemporary life of Indigenous peoples. Through a series of interactive exhibits, performances, and demonstrations, festivalgoers will experience the enduring legacy and dynamic cultural expressions of Native American tribes from across the United States.