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Children’s Museum Houston treated kids (and their adult companions) to a rare experience on Saturday: the chance to immerse in Native American culture. The museum hosted an event which included drum performances, sand art and weaving lessons, and storytelling in the indigenous oral tradition.

Formerly known as Columbus Day, Oct. 9 – the second Monday in October – marks the celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day reserved to recognize the culture and struggle of America’s first inhabitants and the Tribal Nations. The Biden administration declared the holiday in 2021.

  • From left, José Febo, Arcar Febo, 5, Zoe Febo, 3, and Maibi Navas listen to the process for sand art during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston
    From left, José Febo, Arcar Febo, 5, Zoe Febo, 3, and Maibi Navas listen to the process for sand art during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston on Saturday. (Danielle Villasana for Abdelraoufsinno)
  • Ciara Jones, center, shows a child the final product of his sand art during the Indigenous People's Day celebration at the Children’s Museum Houston
    Ciara Jones, center, shows a child the final product of his sand art during the Indigenous People's Day celebration at the Children’s Museum Houston. (Danielle Villasana for Abdelraoufsinno)
  • Children grind corn during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston
    Children grind corn during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston. (Danielle Villasana for Abdelraoufsinno)
  • Romeli Perez, 3, left, and Leilani Perez, 7, make crafts during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston
    Romeli Perez, 3, left, and Leilani Perez, 7, make crafts during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston. (Danielle Villasana for Abdelraoufsinno)
  • Tiye McKethe and her son paint their faces during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston
    Tiye McKethe and her son paint their faces during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston. (Danielle Villasana for Abdelraoufsinno)
  • Children and parents raise their hands during Native American story time during the Indigenous People's Day celebration at the Children’s Museum Houston.
    Children and parents raise their hands during Native American story time during the Indigenous People's Day celebration at the Children’s Museum Houston. (Danielle Villasana for Abdelraoufsinno)
  • Angela Sanchez de Bravo, left, who is a member of the Calmecac Indigenous organization, sings to audience members during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston.
    Angela Sanchez de Bravo, left, who is a member of the Calmecac Indigenous organization, sings to audience members during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston. (Danielle Villasana for Abdelraoufsinno)
  • Jackie Wallace, right, gets her face painted by her granddaughter during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston
    Jackie Wallace, right, gets her face painted by her granddaughter during the Indigenous People's Day commemoration at the Children’s Museum Houston. (Danielle Villasana for Abdelraoufsinno)

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