Indigenous Arts Day, held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., will celebrate enduring legacies of Indigenous cultures with traditional and contemporary art forms by Indigenous artists, including special outdoor performances of music and dance.

Clark Stewart (Chickahominy) will emcee performances on Jamestown Settlement’s mall, where a variety of Indigenous artists and craftspeople will display and demonstrate their work throughout the day, some of which will be available for purchase. Red Crooked Sky American Indian Dance Troupe will lead the day’s performances with Stoney Creek Singers on drum, along with Nottoway flutist Nathan Elliott and Lakota storyteller Felicity Meza-Luna.

Virginia tribes participating in the event will include Chickahominy Indian Tribe Eastern Division, Mattaponi Indian Tribe and Reservation and Nottoway Indian Tribe of Virginia. Read more about Indian Tribes of Virginia.

Indigenous artists and artisans who will display and sell their work include Chickahominy Beaded Turtle (jewelry), Meherrin Outpost (wampum jewelry), Nathan Elliott (woodturner), The Native States Project (art prints), Spirit Fire Arts (artist) and Woodland Crow (leatherwork). See videos of Indigenous artists and their art presented at JYF museums.

In case of inclement weather, programs and vendors will move indoors.

Indigenous Arts Day is sponsored by James City County and the Indigenous Peoples Initiative supported in part by Linda Baker. 

Indoor Gallery Exhibits & Outdoor Living History

Visitors can experience 17th-century Virginia Indian history and culture in Jamestown Settlement’s expansive permanent galleries featuring innovative films, interactives and exhibits. Gallery exhibits feature period objects to examine the myths and realities associated with the life of Pocahontas, incorporate historical research and archeological findings on Werowocomoco and share the story of Cockacoeske (recognized as “Queen of the Pamunkey” by the colonial government) and her role in “Bacon’s Rebellion,” which unfolds in a 4D experiential theater.

Outdoors, visitors can explore a re-creation of Paspahegh Town, based on the archaeological findings at a nearby site along the James River once inhabited by Paspahegh Indians and descriptions and illustrations recorded by English colonists in the 17th century.

As historical interpreters share the rich cultural heritage of Virginia Indians from the 17th century to today, view demonstrations, such as: how the Powhatan people grew and prepared food, how the Powhatan people processed animal hides, how the Powhatan people made tools, pottery and scraped and shaped canoes, and how the Powhatan people wove natural fibers into cordage.

Experience the event

Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Jamestown Settlement admission is $18.00 for adults and $9.00 for ages 6-12. A value-priced combination ticket with the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is $30.00 for adults and $15.00 for ages 6-12. Children ages 5 and under admitted free.

Citizens of Virginia Indian Tribes receive free admission on May 4 during Indigenous Arts Day. 

Residents of James City County, York County and the City of Williamsburg, including William & Mary students, receive free admission with proof of residency. Parking is free.

About Jamestown Settlement

Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s days), Jamestown Settlement is located on State Route 31 just southwest of Williamsburg. The museum features expansive exhibition galleries and films that connect visitors with the lives of the Powhatan, English and West Central African cultures that converged at 17th-century Jamestown. Outdoor living-history areas feature historical interpretation in re-creations of Paspahegh Town, 1607 English ships and a colonial fort.

Admission tickets can be purchased online or in person. Plan your visit today or call (757) 253-4838 for more information.

Explore other activities and events happening throughout the year.