A Quick Guide to Native American Heritage Month 2024
November in Florida brings cooler weather, drier days, and the early stirrings of the holiday season. Today, on November 1st, we celebrate the kickoff of the American Indigenous Arts Celebration! But November is more than just the start of festivities; it’s a month dedicated to honoring, learning, and celebrating Native American Heritage. This week, explore events, exhibits, and installations happening throughout November and beyond, all in support of the Seminole community and Indigenous culture. Additionally, explore ways to engage and support Indigenous communities beyond Florida, whether that is online or in person!
In our featured image you can see a group of Seminole women sitting around a star fire. The description reads “Cooking Dinner Chestnut Billy’s Indian Village; Tamiami Trail, Fla.” and was reproduced as a postcard (2002.59.1, ATTK Museum).
Engage and Educate
Native American Heritage Month often focuses on celebrating Indigenous communities, and their invaluable contributions to society in both art, history, social justice, and more. The purpose of the month is not only to celebrate, but also to uplift, recognize, and support. These cultures still exist, and are vibrant, thriving, and growing. This month also provides an opportunity for individuals to celebrate and engage through a variety of events, community outreach opportunities, exhibits, talks, documentaries, and exhibitions.
This year, we look at ways you can not only celebrate, but also engage and educate yourself with the Seminole Tribe of Florida and beyond. As always, we encourage you to support Native communities, artists, and grassroots social justice outlets. Looking for more ideas? Check out a previous Native American Heritage Month post for 8 Ways You Can Celebrate and follow along below.
Looking to Celebrate?
The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
The kickoff to the 2024 American Indigenous Arts Celebration is today! Join the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum today and tomorrow for a dazzling display of Indigenous art, music, dance, crafts, fashion, and more. Can’t make it this weekend? The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is open seven days a week, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Below, you can explore a snippet of one of the newest exhibits available at the Museum.
Taweekaache: Seminole Patchwork Exhibit
Recently opened in the East Gallery, Taweekaache: Seminole Patchwork is “a vibrant celebration of the Seminole Tribe’s unique and iconic patchwork garments.” The exhibit showcases the work of over 20 Seminole artists. They are from five different communities, including the Tamiami Trail and Big Cypress. This stunning exhibit highlights how patchwork has grown and changed as generations of artisans passed down the crafts. The exhibit also features video segments, where renowned Seminole artists Lenora Roberts and Melissa Osceola DeMayo share the history, importance, and craftsmanship in Seminole patchwork. Recently, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum also uploaded a YouTube video in conjunction with the opening of the exhibit. In it, Lenora Roberts and Melissa Osceola DeMayo share their own perspective on patchwork, and also the cultural importance of the craft.
“Patchwork has grown and evolved over time, becoming more intricate and beautiful with each generation,” says DeMayo in the exhibit’s video segment. “This exhibit honors the past while showcasing how the tradition continues to thrive today.”
Lenora Roberts, who in the video shares her own patchwork style, tries to honor the past while looking to the future. “It’s a beautiful craft to see to grow throughout time,” she shares (2:17). You can also see Lenora Roberts’ work during this year’s American Indigenous Arts Celebration, where she will be sharing a selection of her designs at a fashion show.
The exhibit, which is open now, will run through June 2025.
Lenora Roberts in the recent video segment.
Beyond the Reservation
Yakne Seminoli at History Fort Lauderdale
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, History Fort Lauderdale has launched a brand-new exhibit in collaboration with the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum and the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Yakne Seminoli opened October 20th at the New River Inn History Museum and will run through January 5, 2025. The exhibition features brand new works from Seminole artists Brian Zepeda and Erica Dietz, and features “fine art and photography reflecting themes of leadership and respect.”
In a press release about the exhibit, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale Patricia Zeiler shared that “Erica and Brian are two burgeoning talents whose visions merge traditional Seminole viewpoints with modern mediums. We are grateful for the immense contributions our indigenous ancestors have made to Fort Lauderdale, culturally and creatively, and we invite the community to learn more through this exhibit.”
Brian Zepeda
Brian Zepeda is an incredibly talented Seminole artist with a wide range of artistic skills. Recently, we shared some of his bandolier bags on the blog during our look back on the Rekindled exhibit from 2017. He is a Seminole artist making bandolier bags, beaded moccasins, leggings, woodcarving, chickee building, photography, patchwork, and applique. During this exhibit Zepeda’s photography will be the focus. Only a few months ago Zepeda was awarded a silver award for best photography in the single feature image category at the 2024 Charlie Awards. His photo, ‘Ghost Orchid,’ was published in the Fall 2023 edition of FORUM – The Magazine of Florida Humanities. Zepeda does not know who nominated him for the award.
His award-winning photograph, below, was taken at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park in Collier County. “It was a long trek to get to it, because we had to drive a long way, get out of cars, and then walk a long way to get there. It was all in water [up to our chests]. So, we all had our camera equipment on top of our heads, walking through the water trying to get to it,” Zepeda said in a Seminole Tribune article about his win.
Zepeda, who is also the Naples Council/Board Liaison, began his photography journey in 1997 while working at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. To get to where he is now took “a lot of snaps, a lot of failures, a lot of learning, a lot of frustration.”
“I love photography, I really do. I mean, I like doing beadwork, and it’s very calming. I’ve got all kinds of accolades for my beadwork, but I’ve always liked the photography. Ever since I’ve started, it’s been fantastic,” Zepeda said.
Brian Zepeda’s “Ghost Orchid,” courtesy of Brian Zepeda, via the Seminole Tribune
Erica Dietz
Born on the Winnebago Indian Reservation, Erica Dietz is Seminole (Panther Clan) on her mother’s side and Winnebago/Ojibway on her father’s. Dietz works in a variety of artistic mediums, including acrylic paintings and photography. Her work has been featured across the world and is currently in the permanent collection at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. and in the Lowe Art Museum in Miami.
An original acrylic painting of hers was selected as cover art for the June 2021 edition of Indian Gaming Magazine. Dietz has been drawing since she was three years old, and art is in her blood. Her parents, Jo Motlow North and Robert North, met as students at the Institute of American Indian Arts. Both her grandmothers were also artists.
In 2022 Dietz’ work was selected to adorn the Florida State University Student Union. The 16ft wide by 24ft high area is highly visible, and one of the busiest buildings on campus. Her piece, ‘Osceola’s Vision’ is described by Dietz as “a representation of Osceola’s vision to see his people to live freely and prosper all under the guidance of his forefathers and medicine men.”
Dietz works to create art that highlights her Indigenous perspective. “As I create my art, I put all of the energy from my ancestors, their traditional teachings and their culture into each painting,” Deitz said after being selected for the mural. “This is my way of keeping the spirit of my ancestors alive. I am honored to share my artwork with the Florida State University campus community.”
Skyway 2024 Exhibition at the Tampa Museum of Art
Seminole Tribe of Florida member and artist Corrine Zepeda is one of the featured artists in a recent exhibition at the Tampa Museum of Art. Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration is a groundbreaking exhibition showcased at five separate art institutions across Tampa Bay this year. These include the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg; The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art; Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design; the Tampa Museum of Art; and the University of South Florida Contemporary Art Museum.
Zepeda’s work is being exhibited at the Tampa Museum of Art from August 28, 2024 through January 5, 2025. The theme of the showcase is one “of boundless exploration and unity, reflecting the limitless potential of artistic expression in the region.” The Tampa Museum of Art will display Zepeda’s work along with 17 other artists.
In the past, Zepeda’s work has often focused on social justice issues. But recently, she has started working with Lakeland’s Culture Department. In a Seminole Tribune article about her exhibition, she notes that a lot of what she shares here is a look back at Seminole roots. “I’m taking students all the way back in time; I try to make it engaging,” Zepeda said. “My aim is to educate and inform through art. I am thankful to have learned a lot from my family, tradition-wise.”
For this show, Zepeda chose to display traditional Seminole patchwork, beadwork, dolls, and baskets. She has also created a digital piece created in the style of Old Florida postcards – but with a distinctly Seminole lens. “This is really my Native version of the classic ‘Welcome to Florida’ old-style map,” She shares. “But in my version, I have the reservations and important landmarks and imagery from our people.”
Below, Corrine Zepeda stands next to some of her work at the Skyway 2024: A Contemporary Collaboration” on display at the Tampa Museum of Art. Photo by Beverly Bidney, via the Seminole Tribune.
Okalee Seminole Indian Village 2024 Powwow Marketplace
Join Okalee Seminole Indian Village November 15th and 16th for their annual Powwow Marketplace! Daily exhibition powwow dancing, Polynesian performances, Aztec dance performances, wildlife shows, and other exhibitions can be found in the event line-up. There will also be a variety of Indigenous arts and crafts vendors, as well as Seminole food vendors. Experience and celebrate Indigenous culture, dance, and art!
Beyond November
Big Cypress Holiday Market
Join the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum as they host the 4th annual Big Cypress Holiday Market Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th from 10a.m-4:00pm at the Museum Festival Grounds! Peruse authentic Native crafts, clothing, art, jewelry as you fill those stockings and finish your holiday shopping. Food vendors will also be on site. Admission to the event as well as the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is free.
Seminole Tribal Fair & Powwow
The Seminole Tribe of Florida warmly invites you to next year’s powwow event! Back again for one of the most exciting events of the year, the Seminole Tribal Fair & Powwow is January 31st-February 2nd, 2025 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. A vibrant celebration of Native culture, this event is free and open to the public.
Exhibition dancing, drum competitions, fashion shows, wildlife shows, music, film screenings, and other demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend. A bevy of vendors selling authentic Seminole and Indigenous crafts and food will also be on site. On Sunday, The Frontmen will perform a free concert for visitors. Never been to a powwow before? Check out a previous post that outlines some simple etiquette for visitors.
50th Annual Seminole Tribal Fair & Powwow, by Ralph Nataro
Beyond Florida
Below, we have compiled a list of additional resources, events, articles, and more for you to explore. During November, we encourage you to educate yourself, and choose to uplift, recognize, and support Native communities.
American Indians in Children’s Literature
Celebrating Native American Heritage Month: Dos and Don’ts by Ruth Hopkins, Op-ed.
Native American Heritage Month
Developing Stories: Native Photographers In the Field, Three Photo Essays
National Endowment for the Humanities Resources for Native American Heritage Month
The Smithsonian – Native American Heritage Month Events, Resources, and Podcast Episodes
Author Bio
Originally from Washington state, Deanna Butler received her BA in Archaeological Sciences from the University of Washington in 2014. Deanna moved to Florida in 2016. Soon, she began working for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office. Deanna was the THPO’s Archaeological Collections Assistant from 2017-2021. While at the THPO, Deanna worked to preserve, support, and process the Tribe’s archaeological collection. She often wrote the popular Artifact of the Month series and worked on many community and educational outreach programs. She lives in Lakeland, FL with her husband, two sons, and dog.
