American Indian Veterans Day & Sunset Tribute

The Heard Museum is hosting its 14th annual American Indian Veterans Day & Sunset Tribute on Wednesday, November 11, from 11 AM to 7 PM. It's a full day of programming that runs from the morning through the evening, with the Sunset Tribute and reception capping it off.

The day is built around storytelling and demonstrations. You'll find veteran artists working, veterans sharing their own stories, and Native music and dance throughout. There's also a film screening and family art activities, so it's a day you can spend as long as you like rather than just dropping in for an hour. The whole thing leads up to the Sunset Tribute and reception, where Michael Naranjo (Santa Clara Pueblo) will be the keynote speaker.

There's a good bit of history behind the date. This year marks the 14th anniversary of the American Indian Veterans National Memorial on the museum grounds, which opened in 2012 as the first memorial of its kind. Its bronze panels tell the stories of American Indians who fought in conflicts from the 17th to the 21st centuries, and it honors those who received the Medal of Honor. Among the works on site are sculptures by Allan Houser (1914–1994, Chiricahua Apache), whose ten-foot Unconquered II was his final piece, and by Michael Naranjo himself—a Tewa sculptor and US Army Vietnam War veteran who was blinded by a combat injury and went on to an acclaimed artistic career. Naranjo is the same man who'll be speaking at the tribute.

If you're a veteran or active-duty military, bring your ID: you and one guest get free museum admission. The event runs from 11 AM to 7 PM at the Heard, 2301 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004.