Students Go Behind the Scenes at the Cranbrook Institute of Science

The American Indian Studies class at the Upper School has an entirely student-run exhibit to show for their hard work this semester. Entitled Diving Into American Indian Culture: an exploration of native peoples, the exhibit is on display at the Cranbrook Institute of Science from May 8 through June.

This collaborative exhibit delves into how water fulfills basic human needs as well as sustains ceremonial life in many indigenous cultures. A special highlight is the display of an original birch bark canoe.

Led by history instructor Joanne Parker and Cranbrook Institute of Science's anthropologist Cameron Wood, the class combed through the museum's collections to find artifacts connected to the role of water in American Indian tribes. The students chose items that interested them, researched their significance, worked on public relations materials, and learned how to put on an exhibit for the public.

"It was really interesting not only to research the individual artifacts but also to learn about how an exhibit is run. It was a lot of work, but it was also a lot of fun," said Zoe Lukas, CK '09.

"We gained a fresh perspective on museum exhibits and the amount of work that goes into them," added Nils Peterson, CK '08. "We got to meet everyone that puts their efforts into museum exhibits; we talked to a graphic designer, PR people, and also the people who build the exhibits."

The class kicked off the opening of their exhibit with a reception today. Students, faculty, parents, and museum patrons mingled as they viewed items ranging from a harpoon to snow goggles to a Polynesian sailboat.

On Monday, the class began their celebration of the semester's successes with a performance by two American Indian dancers, Teresa Magnuson and Todd Harder. Magnuson performed a women's Fancy Shawl dance, a modern American Indian dance incorporating spins and kicks, and Harder performed a Northern Traditional dance. The dancers also explained the components of their outfits; Magnuson wore a shawl symbolizing butterfly wings, and Harder's outfit featured eagle feathers on his head, fan, and bustle. In addition to describing the significance of their regalia, Magnuson and Harder also answered the students' questions about American Indian culture.

Everyone is welcome to explore the role of water in American Indian tribes at the Cranbrook Institute of Science through the month of June.