National Museum of Wildlife Art Announces New Indigenous Access Program

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the National Museum of Wildlife Art (NMWA) is pleased to announce a new Indigenous Access Program. Through this program, all enrolled tribal members can receive complimentary admission to the Museum.

“Several years ago, we formalized the Museum’s Land Acknowledgement statement, with the awareness that that was just the beginning,” says Museum Director Steve Seamons. “As iterated in our Land Acknowledgement, we are committed to amplifying Native voices, and removing barriers to access is a key step in that process.”

Museum staff consulted with community partners in creating this program, including Ivan D. Posey, Eastern Shoshone, Tribal Education Coordinator at Central Wyoming College. Posey says, “It is very respectful and noteworthy that the Museum has given access to the Indigenous Community to view the Museum free of charge. The Jackson area was frequented by several tribes historically, and our presence is still felt by those before us. Our relationship with the wildlife is sacred, and this milestone allows for more educational opportunities with the general public to continue to tell our stories.”

Complimentary admission through this program can be redeemed at the admissions desk upon arrival; no pre-registration or paperwork is required. General admission is currently $18 for adults, with discounts available year-round for locals and veterans. NMWA is a Blue Star Museum, which means that every year, from Armed Forces Day to Labor Day, they offer free admission to active-duty military personnel, including the National Guard and Reserves, and their families.

The Museum is also free for all area locals on the first Sunday of every month as part of the First Sundays program generously sponsored by Lawrence Finch and the Bank of Jackson Hole. In March, the Museum partnered with the Wind River Foundation for the second year in a row, bringing contemporary Northern Arapaho artist Robert Martinez and Northern Arapaho singer-songwriter Christian Wallowing Bull to the Museum for First Sunday programming. “We strive to hold events like this one where our venue serves as a platform for Indigenous artists to share their work with the community directly,” says Seamons.