Making a Statement
Making a Statement is a special installation commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. At the National Museum of the American Indian, it highlights Indigenous heritage and honors active-duty and retired Native American servicewomen through two dresses created a century apart.
The installation pairs an early 20th-century Lakota beaded dress with a contemporary color guard dress worn by members of the Native American Women Warriors. Together, the garments explore identity, cultural continuity, personal experience, and the roles Native women serve within their communities. The Lakota dress, likely made for a Fourth of July celebration, features elaborate patriotic American imagery. The Native American Women Warriors dress recognizes the military service of Native women in the United States Armed Forces.
When: May 15, 2026–Spring 2027
Venue: National Museum of the American Indian, Washington, DC
Featured works: A Lakota dress from 1900–1910, made in North Dakota or South Dakota, with an accompanying circa-1900 Lakota belt; and the Native American Women Warriors color guard dress from 2010, with a 2010 belt.
Artists and makers: The contemporary color guard dress was made by Mitchelene BigMan, who is Apsáalooke (Crow) and Hidatsa, and Toni Eaglefeathers, who is Northern Cheyenne. Both dresses were made by Native dressmakers drawing on traditional and new designs.
Materials: The Lakota dress is possibly made from cowhide, glass beads, and sinew. Its belt uses commercial leather, a buckle, and German silver conchos. The 2010 color guard dress uses synthetic fabric, cotton cloth, metal cones, garment patches, sequins, and thread; its belt is made of leather with German silver conchos.
Background: The Lakota dress’s patriotic decoration suggests it may have been created for a Fourth of July celebration. The Native American Women Warriors dress reflects the military service of Native women in the United States Armed Forces.
Audio: An audio guide is available, with Spanish-language audio also indicated on the page.
Tickets: Price not available