FAM

Solstice Celebrations

First Americans Museum presents special observances for the summer and winter solstice. Stay up-to-date on all FAM offerings by joining our mailing list.

Summer Solstice Celebration
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 | 6–9 p.m.
Hall of The People and Festival Plaza
FREE | No Tickets Required

Celebrate the longest day of the year with First American dancing, cultural demonstrations and reflections. The solstice invites us to honor traditional teachings, remember our ancestors and celebrate life. In the eight o’clock hour, we will observe the solstice sun as it sets at the peak of the FAM Mound. Photography is encouraged!

Featured in the FAM Festival Plaza will be traditional summer dwellings and structures, including a Southeastern Arbor, Chickasaw Toompalli Chokka, Wichita Grass House, Plains Tipi and Potawatomi Wigwam.

Everyone is welcome, and FAM extends a special invitation to tribal leaders, dignitaries, and royalty. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. Food trucks will be onsite to provide delicious meal options. Prohibited items include outside food and drink other than water, canopies or tents, pets, fireworks and weapons. FAM is a smoke free campus. Please note that the museum galleries, FAMstore and Thirty Nine Restaurant will be closed during this event.

Program
6 p.m. | Welcome Message: James Pepper Henry (Kaw/Muscogee), FAM Executive Director/CEO
 
6:30 | Social and Special Dances: FAM Drum Group (FAM employees and invited guests)
 
7 | Guest Speakers on exquisite tribal dwellings:
  • Arbor presented by Thlopthlocco Tribal Town: David Frank (Muscogee/Seminole)
  • Chickasaw Toompalli Chokka: Jason Eyahabbe (Chickasaw)
7:30 | Social and Special Dances: FAM Drum Group (FAM employees and invited guests)
 
7:50 | Guest Speakers on exquisite tribal dwellings
  • Tipi, presented by Caddo Nation Child Care: John Hamilton (Caddo/Kiowa)
  • Grass House, presented by McKee Indian Store/Caddo Nation: Ace Greenwood (Chickasaw/Cherokee)
8:10 | Observe the setting of the sun – Photography is encouraged
 
8:30 | Setting of the Sun Remarks: Mary Helen Deer (Kiowa)
 
8:45 | Kiowa Rabbit Dance: John Hamilton (Caddo/Kiowa) – All youth are welcome to participate
 
9 | Closing Song and Prayer: FAM Drum Group
 
Food Trucks in Festival Plaza
  • Plato’s Provisions (Native-owned)
  • RedBird Concessions (Native-owned)
  • Sooner Kettle Corn
  • Hawaiian Snow
*Hydration/Cooling station available in Hall of The People; priority seating for elders
 

Winter Solstice Celebration
Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023 | TBD
Hall of The People and Festival Plaza
FREE | No Tickets Required

Visit FAM for a unique experience on the shortest day of the year.